Diode and er: YAG laser therapy versus other desensitizing treatments for dentin hypersensitivity in molar-incisor hypomineralization: a systematic review

TL;DR

This review compares laser therapy with other treatments for tooth sensitivity in children with a dental condition called molar-incisor hypomineralization.

Contribution

The study systematically evaluates laser therapy's effectiveness for dentin hypersensitivity in MIH, a specific pediatric dental condition.

Findings

Laser therapy and other desensitizing treatments similarly reduced tooth sensitivity in MIH-affected teeth.

Only three clinical trials were found, making the evidence base limited and fragile.

No significant differences were observed between laser therapy and alternative treatments like fluoride varnish.

Abstract

This study investigated the use of laser therapy for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in patients with molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH), compared with other desensitizing treatments. A systematic search was performed in electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, LILACS, Embase, and Web of Science. Additionally, trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and ReBEC), grey literature, and manual search were checked. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the RoB 2 tool. Given the heterogeneity in included studies, only a descriptive analysis was undertaken. From 2,450 potentially eligible studies, three randomized clinical trials were selected for full-text analysis, and included. These studies comprising 462 MIH-affected molars and incisors in patients aged 6–14 years. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 6 months. Interventions included diode lasers (808 nm, 980 nm) and a low-power Er: YAG protocol (0.4 W, 40 mJ, 10 Hz), compared with fluoride varnish, GLUMA desensitizer, or CPP-ACPF mousse. All studies reported DH reduction across groups; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between laser and other desensitizing treatments. Two studies were rated as high risk of bias, and one showed some concerns. Available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous due to few included studies and an overall fragile evidence base, indicating that laser therapy may reduce DH in MIH-affected teeth. Well-designed and standardized randomized clinical trials are still needed to strengthen the evidence base. (PROSPERO registration: CRD42024608626).

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