Phototherapy Using Er,Cr:YSGG Laser as a Definitive Treatment for Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Systematic Review

AlHanouf AlHabdan,1 Fatemah AlAhmari2 1Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; 2Department of Periodontics and Community Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCorrespondence: AlHanouf AlHabdan, Department of Restorative Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tel +966 556693242, Email alhabdan@ksu.edu.saPurpose: To assess the efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG lasers in reducing dentine hypersensitivity (DH).Methods: Electronic literature were searched through various databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, ProQuest, LILACS and EBSCO) up to March 2022 for articles addressing the following focused question: “In patients with dentine hypersensitivity, does an Er,Cr:YSGG laser provide a better outcome in terms of pain reduction than other dentine desensitizer agents?”. The literature was searched using combinations of the following medical subject heading (MeSH) terms and keywords: (laser OR phototherapy OR Er,Cr:YSGG laser) AND (dentine hypersensitivity OR dentine sensitivity OR dental sensitivity).Results: A total of 486 studies were found, of which 7 randomized controlled trials were included in the review. The Er,Cr:YSGG laser wavelengths, power density and duration of irradiation used in the studies were 2780 nanometers, 0.25– 0.5 watts and 20– 60 seconds, respectively. The follow-up assessments were conducted ranging from immediately to 3 months after treatment. All studies showed that the Er,Cr:YSGG laser was effective in alleviating DH.Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that the application of an Er,Cr:YSSG laser is effective in alleviating DH and may have limited adverse effects if adequate parameters are followed.Keywords: phototherapy, dentine hypersensitivity, dentine sensitivity, Er,Cr:YSGG laserCorrigendum for this paper has been publishedCorrigendum for this paper has been published