The effect of low-level laser therapy on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial

TOPÇUOĞLU H. S., AKPINAR B.

INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL, vol.54, no.10, pp.1720-1726, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 54 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/iej.13596
  • Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, EMBASE, MEDLINE
  • Page Numbers: pp.1720-1726
  • Keywords: inferior alveolar nerve block, irreversible pulpitis, low-level laser therapy, ENDODONTIC RETREATMENT, ANESTHETIC EFFICACY, POSTOPERATIVE PAIN, ORTHODONTIC PAIN, TRIPLE-BLIND, DIODE-LASER, ARTICAINE, IRRADIATION, MANAGEMENT, LIDOCAINE
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Aim To evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Methodology Eighty-eight patients who were diagnosed with SIP were randomly divided into two groups: the group in which only IANB was applied and the group in which IANB + LLLT was applied. IANB was applied to patients in the control group with 4% articaine. LLLT was applied to the patients in the experimental group in addition to IANB. The pain experienced during the operation was evaluated using a visual analog scale. If the patients reported moderate or severe pain during the treatment, the IANB was defined as unsuccessful. Pearson's chi-square test was used to analyse anaesthetic success rates. Results Whilst the anaesthesia success rate was 34% in the group where only IANB was applied, it was 57% in the group in which LLLT was applied in addition to IANB. There was a significant difference between the groups (p = .032). Conclusions The application of LLLT to support IANB in mandibular molar teeth with SIP increased the success of anaesthesia. However, it was insufficient for a complete pulpal anaesthesia.