Laser in Caries Treatment - Patients´View, Pulpal Reactions and Survival of Fillings

The aim of this study was to evaluate the excavation time, patients´ experiences, pulpal reactions and survival of fillings when carious tissue was removed with Er:YAG laser compared to rotary bur. A prospective, single-blind, randomized and controlled investigation was performed. Patients with at least two primary caries lesions radiographically assessed as the same size were recruited. In each patient one cavity was excavated with rotary bur and one with Er:YAG laser technique. The time requested for excavation and local anaesthesia were measured. The prevalence of postoperative symptoms, pulpal vitality and the quality of fillings will be investigated during two years after the excavation occasion.