Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy Following Direct Pulp Capping on Postoperative Sensitivity by Thermal Stimulus

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on postoperative pain provoked by thermal stimulation in direct pulp capping. All the patients who received consent form in this retrospective study were retrieved from the records of patients attended for routine dental treatment at the Ordu University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Endodontics between 01.10.2017-01.10.2018. Study subjects were recruited from the pool of patients who performed direct pulp capping by a single operator. A total of 123 pre-treated teeth of 123 patients who referred to Ordu University, Faculty of Dentistry were examined. Follow-up examinations were carried out at postoperative 6th hours, 1st and 7th days with visual analog scale (VAS), and treatment outcome were assessed. Participants were allocated to the laser and control group which consist of 42 patients in each group. 6 patients were excluded from the study due to missing data in both groups. Thus, data from 72 patients who had been carried out direct pulp capping were assessed.