Comparative Study of Erbium Laser Versus A Chemo-Mechanical Caries Removal Method in Primary Teeth

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the caries removal using Er,Cr:YSGG laser and Papacarie chemo-mechanical caries removal (CMCR) method in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: Patients (4 – 8 years old) having 40 carious primary molars with dentin involvement were selected for this study. Caries was removed using two methods; Group 1 (Laser) Waterlase MD turbo Er,Cr:YSGG Laser using Quartz tips (MZ – 8) on the Gold handpiece and group 2 (CMCR) Papacarie Duo gel. Final restoration was done by Riva light cure Glass ionomer. Caries removal was assessed clinically by tactile and visual method (Ericson criteria). Time taken for the procedure was measured in minutes. Evaluation of pain perception was done using the Wong-Baker facial image. Microbiological evaluation was done by collecting dentin samples from the carious primary tooth before and after caries removal and total bacterial count was assessed. The restoration was evaluated using the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) at baseline, three months, six months and nine months. Results: The two groups showed a statistically significant difference (unpaired t test) in the time of treatment, Pain score and total bacterial count. Clinical evaluation of the restoration using the modified USPHS criteria showed no statistical significance between the two groups. Conclusion: Chemo-mechanical caries removal methods and laser irradiation are effective and efficient techniques for caries removal in children with high patient acceptance and no adverse effects.