Erbium, chromium:yttrium scandium gallium garnet (Er, Cr:YSGG) laser versus diode laser in the treatment of pericoronitis

Abstract

Background: There are limited number of studies about the lasers used for the treatment of pericoronitis infection. Aim: To compare the Er, Cr:YSGG laser and diode laser applications clinically in the treatment of pericoronitis infection. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with pericoronitis infection were divided into three groups using block randomization: Er, Cr:YSGG + antibiotic group, n = 20 (mean age: 24.20 ± 6.13; 14 females, 6 males); diode group + antibiotic, n = 20 (mean age: 23.45 ± 2.96; 14 females, 6 males); and antibiotic, n = 20 (mean age: 22.45 ± 3.02; 11 females, 9 males). In addition, laser application was performed for patients in the Er, Cr:YSGG and diode laser groups on the 1^st and 2^nd days until the extraction day. Tooth extractions were performed on the 3^rd day for all patients. Patients’ pain (with visual analog scale [VAS]), lymphadenopathy, and local edema were clinically evaluated in the first 3 days and on the 7^th day of treatment. Results: Pain score on the 2^nd day of treatment was determined to be significantly lower in the Er, Cr:YSGG + antibiotic laser group as compared with the other two groups (P = 0.019). Although regression of lymphadenopathy on the 3^rd day was highest (P = 0.025) in the Er, Cr:YSGG group, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding local edema. Conclusion: Er, Cr:YSGG laser improved the healing process in the treatment of pericoronitis and made an important contribution to the treatment.