Laser Pulpotomies’ Clinical and Radiographic Success in Primary Teeth by Type of Laser

TL;DR

The study reviews how different lasers used in pulpotomy for children's teeth show varying success rates, with diode and Nd:YAG lasers performing best.

Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of laser pulpotomy success in primary teeth, highlighting the influence of laser type and clinical protocols.

Findings

Diode and Nd:YAG lasers show high clinical success rates in laser pulpotomies for primary teeth.

CO2 lasers have limited evidence and inconsistent results compared to other laser types.

Variability in laser specifications and clinical protocols makes direct comparisons difficult.

Abstract

What are the main findings?
•Different types of lasers used in pulpotomy for primary teeth show varying levels of clinical success, with diode and Nd:YAG lasers demonstrating high success while evidence for CO2 lasers remains limited.•Success rates and outcomes of laser pulpotomies may be influenced by laser type, device settings, and clinical protocols.

Different types of lasers used in pulpotomy for primary teeth show varying levels of clinical success, with diode and Nd:YAG lasers demonstrating high success while evidence for CO2 lasers remains limited.

Success rates and outcomes of laser pulpotomies may be influenced by laser type, device settings, and clinical protocols.

What is the implications of the main findings?
•Laser pulpotomy is potentially a viable alternative to traditional methods, but optimal results may depend on careful selection of laser type and clinical protocols.•Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines and improve consistency in outcomes for laser pulpotomy in pediatric dentistry.

Laser pulpotomy is potentially a viable alternative to traditional methods, but optimal results may depend on careful selection of laser type and clinical protocols.

Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines and improve consistency in outcomes for laser pulpotomy in pediatric dentistry.

Background/Objectives: The aim of this literature review is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic success of various types of lasers used in pulpotomy procedures for primary teeth. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases, with no time limits applied. Keywords included various types of lasers (e.g., diode, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, LLLT, CO2) and terms related to pulpotomy in primary teeth. The search was performed in August 2025. Studies were screened for eligibility based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on clinical trials and studies assessing long-term outcomes of laser pulpotomies. Results: The review included 36 studies, categorized by laser type. Diode lasers were the most commonly used laser and showed high clinical success rates (>85%) with various dressing materials. Nd:YAG lasers demonstrated positive long-term outcomes, while Er:YAG lasers had inconsistent results. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and CO2 lasers also showed high clinical and radiographic success. The studies highlighted the variability in laser specifications and clinical protocols, making direct comparisons challenging. Conclusions: Laser pulpotomy offers a viable alternative to traditional methods, with diode and Nd:YAG lasers showing particularly high success rates. However, the lack of standardized protocols and the variability in study methodologies call for further research to establish clear guidelines for clinical practice.

Figures