Use of the Er:YAG Laser in Conservative Dentistry: Evaluation of the Microbial Population in Carious Lesions

• Main Authors: Chiara Valenti, Stefano Pagano, Silvia Bozza, Enrico Ciurnella, Giuseppe Lomurno, Benito Capobianco, Maddalena Coniglio, Stefano Cianetti, Lorella Marinucci
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-05-01
• Series: Materials
• Subjects: Er:YAG laser; conservative dentistry; oral microbiome; cariogenic species
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/9/2387

The aim of this study is to investigate the Erbium:Yttrio-Aluminum-Granate (Er:YAG) laser photothermal and mechanical effects on cariogenic species concentration and on the microbial load composition of therapeutic cavities, in order to evaluate the possible micro-organisms reduction and make a comparison with manual and rotating conventional therapy (CT). A clinical trial was designed, including adults with active deep carious lesions on permanent teeth who were divided into two groups, i.e., control group and intervention group treated with CT and Er:YAG therapy, respectively. Before and after any conservative treatment, two oral samples were collected using a small sterile microbrush scrubbed within the base of the dentinal cavity tissue. The percentage of reduction and the colony-forming units (CFUs) count after Er:YAG and conventional treatments were compared for total microorganisms, including <i>Candida</i> spp., <i>Streptococcus</i> spp., and <i>Lactobacillus</i> spp. The microbial reduction varied from 90.2% to 100% and was significantly observed for total microorganisms and <i>Streptococcus</i> spp. (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The Er:YAG laser shows the potential for clinical applications, especially with paediatric and complicated patients, thanks to its minimally invasive properties and its effect on the reduction of microbial load.