ROLE OF LASERS IN DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY: A REVIEW

Dentine hypersensitivity is sensation felt when the nerves inside the dentin of the teeth are exposed to the environment. The sensation
can range from irritation all the way to intense, shooting pain. This sensitivity can be caused by several factors, including wear,
decaying teeth or exposed tooth roots. Changes in the flow of the plasma-like biological fluid present in the dentinal tubules can
trigger mechanoreceptors present on nerves located at the pulpal aspect thereby eliciting a pain response. Years ago, we were saying,
“Potassium nitrate this and flouride that.” It was the only way we knew to prevent root sensitivity. We told our patients they had to use
the toothpaste for at least three weeks before they would feel relief from root sensitivity. The next generations of agents to provide
root sensitivity relief were flouride varnishes, the products known as Duraphat, Super Seal, Gluma, etc. With the advent of laser
technology and its growing utilization in dentistry, an additional therapeutic option is available for the treatment of dentinal pain. The
laser, by interacting with the tissue, causes different tissue reactions, according to its active medium, wavelength and power density
and to the optical properties of the target tissue This article discusses the effect of various lasers on dentin hypersensitivity and its
effect on the pulp and management and prognosis.