Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Dentin Hypersensitivity in Periodontally Compromised Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in periodontally compromised patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Methods: This triple-blinded randomised controlled trial included 143 teeth with DH from 23 periodontally compromised patients. Teeth on one side of the dental arch were randomly assigned to the LLLT group (LG), while those on the contralateral side were allocated to the non-LLLT group (NG). After orthodontic treatment commenced, patients' orthodontic pain (OP) perceptions were documented in pain diaries. DH was assessed chairside by a visual analogue scale (VAS_DH) at fifteen timepoints across the orthodontic treatment and retention. VAS_DH scores were compared among timepoints by the Friedman test, among patients with varying OP perceptions using the Kruskal-Wallis tests, and between the LG and NG with the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results: DH generally decreased over the observation (p < 0.001). The VAS_DH scores differed among patients with varying OP perceptions at multiple timepoints (p < 0.05). The generalized estimating equation model showed teeth in the LG had a significantly lower VAS_DH score than the NG at the 3rd month of treatment (p = 0.011).

Conclusion: LLLT could be potentially beneficial in managing DH in periodontally compromised patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.