Evaluation of the Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser and the Conventional Method on Pain Perception and Anxiety Level in Children during Caries Removal: A Randomized Split-mouth Study

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare children's anxiety level and pain perception during cavity preparation using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser vs traditional rotational treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial was carried out in 35 healthy children with 70 carious primary molars. Teeth were divided equally into two groups according to the method of treatment. A bur was used to prepare the cavity in one quadrant, while an Er:YAG laser was used to prepare the cavity in the other quadrant. Anxiety was assessed using Venham's dental anxiety scale and a fingertip pulse oximeter. The pain was assessed using the Wong–Baker Face Pain Rating Scale, and the number of local anesthesia (LA) needed during both procedures was also considered. RESULTS: The mean age was 9.4 ± 1.29. Males accounted for 51.4% of the participants. There were no statistically significant variations in pulse rate at the baseline between Er:YAG laser and the conventional treatments. The mean pulse rate was higher during the conventional intervention than during the laser intervention; this difference was statistically significant vs the baseline pulse rate. The mean pulse rate with the conventional method was significantly higher during and after cavity formation than with the laser method. The Er:YAG laser and the conventional groups showed statistically significant differences in the Venham's and Wong–Baker scores. The scores of both scales were much higher in the conventional group. The number of participants who requested LA during the conventional technique was significantly higher than during the laser procedure. CONCLUSION: Using Er:YAG lasers to remove caries produces minimal pain and anxiety and reduces the requirement for LA. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: During cavity preparation, the Er:YAG laser helps children stay calm. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Abdrabuh RE, El Meligy OAES, Felemban OM, et al. Evaluation of the Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser and the Conventional Method on Pain Perception and Anxiety Level in Children during Caries Removal: A Randomized Split-mouth Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S39–S44.