Er:YAG laser in selective caries removal and dentin treatment with chitosan: a randomized clinical trial in primary molars

This study evaluated the effect of chitosan on dentin treatment after selective removal of caries lesions with Er:YAG laser in reducingStreptococcus mutans, as well as its effect on the performed restorations. The sample consisted of children (aged 7 to 9  years) with active carious lesions and dentin cavitation located on the occlusal surface of deciduous molars. Eighty teeth were randomly distributed into 4 groups according to the caries removal method: Er:YAG laser (250 mJ/4 Hz) or bur and dentin surface treatment: 2.5% chitosan solution or dis tilled water. The bacterial load of caries-affected dentin was quantified by counting CFU/mg (n = 10). The teeth were restored and evaluated at 7 days, 6 months, and 12 months using modified USPHS criteria (n = 20). Microbiological data was analyzed by Mann–Whitney and clinical analyses were done using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn test (α = 0.05). The results showed that the Er:YAG laser significantly reduced the amount ofStreptococcus mutans (p = 0.0068). After dentin treatment with chitosan, there was a significant reduction in the amount ofStreptococcus mutans for both removal methods (p = 0.0424). For the retention and secondary caries criteria, no significant differences were observed along the evaluated time (p >  0.05). The laser-treated group was rated “bravo” for discoloration (p = 0.0089) and marginal adaptation (p = 0.0003) after 6 and 12 months compared to baseline. The Er:YA...
Source: Lasers in Medical Science - Category: Laser Surgery Source Type: research