Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy following Direct Pulp Capping on Postoperative Sensitivity by Thermal Stimulus: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) on postoperative pain provoked by thermal stimulation in direct pulp capping (DPC). <b><i>Subjects and Methods:</i></b> A retrospective study was performed using the records of patients who received DPC using mineral trioxide aggregate. Teeth irradiated with a laser were assigned as the PBMT group, and nonirradiated teeth were considered as the control group. Before treatment and 6 h, 1 day, and 7 days after treatment, tooth sensitivity to a cold stimulus was recorded using a visual analog scale. <b><i>Results:</i></b> From a total of 123 documented DPC procedures, only 72 directly capped permanent teeth met the inclusion criteria. Age, gender, and tooth location were comparable between the groups. A statistically significant difference was found in sensitivity to cold stimulus between groups on day 7 (<i>p</i> = 0.007), but no difference was found at the preoperative, 6 h, and day 1 time points (<i>p</i> = 0.055, <i>p</i> = 0.132, and <i>p</i> = 0.100, respectively). In the intragroup evaluation, a significantly greater decrease in sensitivity to cold stimulus was detected in the PBMT group than that in the control group, although both groups showed a reduction in discomfort throughout the follow-up period (<i>p</i> = 0.000). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> PBMT is an effective method for enhancing patient comfort by reducing thermal sensitivity following DPC procedures.