Evaluation of the effects of 980 and 810‑nm high‑level diode lasers in treating dentin hypersensitivity: A double‑blinded randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity is a prevalent problem, manifested as a short sharp pain.
Researchers have used different lasers to treat this condition. The present study aimed to evaluate
the effect of 980 and 810‑nm high‑level diode lasers on dentin hypersensitivity to determine proper
laser parameters for clinical applications.
Materials and Methods: In this double‑blinded randomized clinical trial, seven patients with 60 teeth
affected by dentin hypersensitivity were selected for the present double‑blind, randomized clinical trial.
The patients’ teeth were randomly matched and assigned to three groups: Group 1: 980‑nm diode laser;
Group 2: 810‑nm diode laser; and Group 3: Control, which received only the guiding beam. The laser
parameters were 1‑W power, continuous wave mode, a distance of 1 mm, no contact, a 45° irradiation
angle, and a 30‑s exposure time using to‑and‑fro movements. The treatment consisted of two sessions
with a 1‑week interval. Pain severity was determined with the visual analog scale (VAS) at all the study
intervals using a dry ice spray. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 using one‑way ANOVA,
repeated measures ANOVA, and least significant difference tests. Significance level was set at α = 0.05.
Results: The changes in VAS were significant only in the first stage (P = 0.046). The mean VAS
scores decreased over time in the 810‑nm and 980 laser groups. A comparison of VAS changes
relative to the baseline revealed significant changes in VAS scores at all the time intervals with
both lasers. The two 810 and 980‑nm laser groups did not exhibit any significant differences for
2 months postoperatively (P = 0.098).
Conclusion: The application of 810 and 980‑nm diode lasers at 1‑W power and an exposure time
of 30 s was effective in decreasing pain in patients with dentin hypersensitivity, with no significant
difference between these two lasers.
Key Words: Dentin sensitivity, laser therapy, lasers, pain