The effect of low‐level laser therapy on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks in mandibular molars with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis: A randomized clinical trial

• Published in: International endodontic journal 2021-10, Vol.54 (10), p.1720-1726
• Main Authors: Topçuoğlu, Hüseyin Sinan, Akpınar, Burak
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anesthesia; Clinical trials; Dental pulp; Dentistry; inferior alveolar nerve block; Inflammation; irreversible pulpitis; Lasers; low‐level laser therapy; Mandible; Molars; Pain; Patients
• ISSN: 0143-2885; 1365-2591
• DOI: 10.1111/iej.13596

Aim To evaluate the effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve blocks (IANB) in mandibular molar teeth with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP). Methodology Eighty‐eight patients who were diagnosed with SIP were randomly divided into two groups: the group in which only IANB was applied and the group in which IANB + LLLT was applied. IANB was applied to patients in the control group with 4% articaine. LLLT was applied to the patients in the experimental group in addition to IANB. The pain experienced during the operation was evaluated using a visual analog scale. If the patients reported moderate or severe pain during the treatment, the IANB was defined as unsuccessful. Pearson's chi‐square test was used to analyse anaesthetic success rates. Results Whilst the anaesthesia success rate was 34% in the group where only IANB was applied, it was 57% in the group in which LLLT was applied in addition to IANB. There was a significant difference between the groups (p = .032). Conclusions The application of LLLT to support IANB in mandibular molar teeth with SIP increased the success of anaesthesia. However, it was insufficient for a complete pulpal anaesthesia.