Use of erbium lasers to prepare cavities in deciduous teeth for caries treatment: A systematic review

Control of the physical parameters of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG laser settings may optimize and improve their effectiveness for cavity preparation in deciduous teeth while ensuring patient comfort and safety during treatment.This systematic review aimed to identify the optimal ranges of laser parameters (frequency, power, applicator type and diameter, pulse duration, and water spray settings) for Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers used in the treatment of carious lesions involving the enamel and dentin of deciduous teeth in children.Scientific databases were systematically searched, and the included articles were assessed for risk of bias. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool was modified according to the requirements of this systematic review.Ten randomized studies met the inclusion criteria. Four were in vitro studies conducted on extracted deciduous teeth, and 6 were clinical trials involving children. Er:YAG lasers were used in 6 studies, whereas Er,Cr:YSGG lasers were used in 4 publications.The available evidence suggests that Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted cavity preparation in deciduous teeth may be more effective than conventional rotary instrumentation in reducing anxiety and pain in young patients. However, based on the analyzed studies, it is not possible to establish optimal laser parameters for the preparation of carious enamel and dentin in deciduous teeth using either Er:YAG or Er,Cr:YSGG lasers. Furthermore, the included studies provide limited information regarding the laser parameters used.