Effect of photobiomodulation on the efficacy of anesthesia in maxillary permanent molar teeth with molar incisor hypomineralization: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundDifficulty in anesthetizing teeth that have been diagnosed with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a frequently reported clinical problem. The effects of low‐level laser application (photobiomodulation) on the efficacy of anesthesia during the dental treatment of patients with MIH have not yet been studied.AimTo assess the effects of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on the efficacy of anesthesia in maxillary permanent molar teeth with MIH.DesignThis prospective, parallel‐arm control, randomized, triple‐blind clinical trial included children aged 7–12 years. Maxillary permanent first molar teeth with MIH that required pulpotomy treatment were included. Seventy participants were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (with PBMT) and control (placebo). In the experimental group, before the administration of local infiltration anesthesia, PBMT (diode laser: 940 nm; continuous mode; 0.5 W; 78 J/cm2) was applied to the oral mucosa for 60 s each. In the control group, the laser probe was channeled toward the mucosa but was not activated. Pain scores were evaluated during the access cavity preparation of the pulpotomy treatment (when using the dentin cutting handpiece and while entering into the pulp) using the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) scale. Additional anesthesia requirements were assessed in both groups. The data obtained were analyzed for statistical significance (p < .05). The chi‐squared test was used to determine the effect of PBMT on categorical outcomes.ResultsThe no‐pain scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group (29% vs. 20%). Moderate‐to‐high pain was more frequent in the control group than in the experimental group (43% vs. 20%). While 31% of the experimental group required supplemental anesthesia, 49% of the control group required supplemental anesthesia during pulpotomy of the tooth with MIH. No statistical difference, however, was found between the two groups in terms of pain scores and the need for supplemental anesthesia (p = .235,p = .143).ConclusionsAnesthesia with and without PBMT caused no difference in pain during the treatment of maxillary molar teeth with MIH.