Laser use in direct pulp capping: A meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#dental-pulp-capping #humans #lasers

Laser use in direct pulp capping: A meta-analysis

Deng et al., 2016 | J Am Dent Assoc | Meta Analysis

Citation

Deng Yang, Zhu Xiaodan, ... Jiang Han. Laser use in direct pulp capping: A meta-analysis. J Am Dent Assoc. 2016-Dec;147(12):935-942. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2016.07.011

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The authors of this study evaluated the effects of lasers on the outcome of direct pulp capping by means of a meta-analysis. TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED: The authors completed a literature search on PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, as well as a manual search of the reference lists of all identified articles since the introduction of lasers in endodontics in 1971 through May 30, 2016. The authors systematically evaluated the studies that met the inclusion criteria and performed a meta-analysis. RESULTS: The authors selected 5 studies about 4 laser systems (carbon dioxide; diode; erbium,chromium:yttrium-selenium-gallium-garnet; and erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) from the 510 articles to be included in this meta-analysis. Using a fixed-effects model, they found no significant heterogeneity between these studies (χ2 = 0.83, P = .99, I2 = 0%). Their results showed that the success rate (89.9%) of the laser groups was higher than that of 67.2% of the control groups, and the difference was statistically significant (risk ratio, 1.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-1.49; P < .00001). CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: On the basis of the limited evidence, the use of lasers effectively improved the prognosis of direct pulp capping treatment for permanent teeth.

Key Findings

The authors selected 5 studies about 4 laser systems (carbon dioxide; diode; erbium,chromium:yttrium-selenium-gallium-garnet; and erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet) from the 510 articles to be included in this meta-analysis. Using a fixed-effects model, they found no significant heterogeneity between these studies (χ2 = 0.83, P = .99, I2 = 0%). Their results showed that the success rate (89.9%) of the laser groups was higher than that of 67.2% of the control groups, and the difference was statistic

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 5
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Dental Pulp Capping
  • Humans
  • Lasers

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
  • Vertical: selenium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09