Laser in paediatric dentistry: patient acceptance of hard and soft tissue therapy.

AIM This study aimed to evaluate the laser therapy efficacy in paediatric dentistry, considering the subjective tolerance and acceptance of therapy in children needing both dental and soft tissue treatments. METHODS A group of 50 patients from 6 to 12 years of age, needing both hard and soft tissue therapy was selected and treated, without anesthesia, with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser 2780 nm and an Er:YAG laser 2940 nm for a total of 100 treatments performed; before and after the treatment the patients experience was tested with Wong-Baker modified facial image scale. RESULTS The study showed a good percentage of acceptance and tolerance of both laser treatments: a success rate of 90 % for hard tissues and 63% for soft tissues was obtained; for the total 100 treatments the acceptance was of 75%. CONCLUSION The Erbium lasers are very effective in paediatric dentistry and are good treatment options.