Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on Post-endodontic Pain

This study was designed as a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 2 groups. The treatment procedures were performed by one operator. After local anesthesia and rubber dam isolation, access cavity preparation was performed by diamond burs with high-speed hand pieces under the water cooling. . Instrumentation of procedures was performed by Reciproc R50 files. Irrigation protocol was completed, canal were dried, filled with gutta-percha cones and AH Plus sealer. After chemo- mechanical instrumentation and root canal filling procedures, LLLT was applied for 60 second per tooth using Nd-YAG laser ( λ=1064 nm,100 mJ, 10 Hz, 1-W) The same procedures as in the laser group were performed, been completed but the laser was not activated in this group. These patients were assigned as placebo group. Postoperative pain was measured and documented via the Visual Analogue Scale. Chi-square test was performed in analysis of the nominal data.There was statistically significant difference between groups at the 12th and 24th hours (p\<.05). ). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups at the 4th, 8th, 48th, and 72th hours (p\>.05). No statistically significant differences were detected between the groups in terms of demographic data (age and tooth number) except for gender (P \> .05).LLLT can decrease postoperative pain after root canal treatment of single rooted teeth.