Does Er,Cr:YSGG reduce the microleakage of restorations when used for cavity preparation? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Zhang et al., 2020 | BMC Oral Health | Meta Analysis

Citation

Zhang Yali, Chen Wenfei, ... Li Yanhui. Does Er,Cr:YSGG reduce the microleakage of restorations when used for cavity preparation? A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Oral Health. 2020-Oct-06;20(1):269. doi:10.1186/s12903-020-01252-x

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As the member of erbium laser family, Erbium, Chromium: Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) has obtained the approval for caries removal and cavity preparation by Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, there is still controversy over the beneficial effects of Er,Cr:YSGG preparations on microleakage. The present study is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the microleakage of cavities prepared by Er,Cr:YSGG lasers with that by traditional burs. In addition, the effect of acid etching on the adhesive potential of self-etch and etch-and-rinse adhesives was assessed after laser preparation. METHODS: An electronic search was performed in Pubmed, EBSCO, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL). RESULTS: Totally, 357 articles were identified. Finally, 13 met the inclusion criteria, of which 11 were selected for meta-analysis. All the included studies exhibited a moderate risk of bias. Based on the meta-analysis, no significant difference was observed between the Er,Cr:YSGG and traditional bur groups in terms of the incidence of microleakage. Self-etch adhesives, in combination with prior acid etching, showed less microleakage than those without acid etching in the laser-prepared cavities. CONCLUSIONS: Current studies do not support the beneficial effects of Er,Cr:YSGG preparations on microleakage. Additional acid etching with self-etching adhesives is recommended after Er,Cr:YSGG preparations. Further high-quality studies are needed to draw a convincing conclusion in the future.

Key Findings

Totally, 357 articles were identified. Finally, 13 met the inclusion criteria, of which 11 were selected for meta-analysis. All the included studies exhibited a moderate risk of bias. Based on the meta-analysis, no significant difference was observed between the Er,Cr:YSGG and traditional bur groups in terms of the incidence of microleakage. Self-etch adhesives, in combination with prior acid etching, showed less microleakage than those without acid etching in the laser-prepared cavities.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Composite Resins
  • Dental Bonding
  • Dental Cavity Preparation
  • Dental Leakage
  • Humans
  • Lasers, Solid-State

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance


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