Lasers in Dental Hypersensitivity

Dental Hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most common problems that is defined as short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentine in response to mechanical, chemical and thermal stimuli. The prevalence of dental hypersensitivity is increasing due to two reasons: First, people can keep their teeth for longer periods; second, root surface of teeth are mostly exposed as a result of gingival recession and periodontal surgery. Many different types of treatments have been so far suggested for dental hypersensitivity. These include the use of strontium salts or potassium salts, glass ionomers, photopolymerising sealants to occlude dentinal tubules. In cases of sever DH, invasive therapy by means of root canal therapy (RCT) & crowns as well as surgical correction including root coverage can be indicated. However, more recently, the intermittent or repeated use of laser has been recommended. This review aims at evaluating which laser can affect DH. The lasers used for the treatment of DH fall into two groups: Low output power (low level) lasers such as He-Ne, GaAs, GaAlAs which block nerve ends and affect inflammatory mediators; and middle output power lasers like Nd:YAG, CO2 lasers which bring about major changes to teeth in order to occlude dentinal tubules. A combination of lasers to reduce the DH is recommended and low-level lasers combined with middle-output lasers are preferred.