Efficacy of near infrared dental lasers on dentinal hypersensitivity: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Mar;37(2):733-744. doi: 10.1007/s10103-021-03391-1. Epub 2021 Aug 3.

Abstract

Conventional therapies have aimed to try to help individuals suffering with dentine hypersensitivity (DH/DHS). A relatively new approach, laser therapy claims to be beneficial while having immediate and long-lasting effect. Therefore, our analysis aims to explore the immediate and 1-month efficacy of near-infrared laser (NIR) therapy in treating dentinal hypersensitivity. A systematic literature search conducted in databases, and analysis was undertaken utilizing a meta-analysis approach. Randomized controlled clinical trials comparing near-infrared lasers and placebo/no treatment in patients (> 18 years) were included. The risk of bias for included studies was assessed using Cochrane RoB tool (for randomized studies). Random effects meta-analyses model of standardized mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were performed using RevMan 5.4 software. A comprehensive electronic and manual search yielded a total of 1081 potential articles. Following the implementation of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 6 studies were included in the analysis. Near-infrared laser therapy led to statistical significant reduction in immediate and 1-month follow-up VAS (visual analog scale) scores compared to placebo/no treatment (p < 0.05). Statistical heterogeneity across the studies was high (I2-96%). The findings suggest that near-infrared laser therapy does have a significant immediate effect in reducing dentine hypersensitivity compared to placebo/no treatment. Furthermore, this effect is not diminished and endured at 1-month follow-up.

Keywords: Dentine hypersensitivity; Diode laser; Low-level laser therapy; Meta-analysis; Nd:YAG laser; Randomized clinical trials.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Dentin Sensitivity* / drug therapy
  • Dentin Sensitivity* / radiotherapy
  • Humans
  • Laser Therapy*
  • Low-Level Light Therapy*
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic