Am J Dent. 2025 Apr;38(2):71-78.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This prospective clinical study evaluated the tooth color (ΔΕ*ab and ΔΕ₀₀) and whiteness (ΔWID) changes, as well as tooth sensitivity (TS) induced after performing in-office tooth bleaching with or without light-activation of the bleaching gel using Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation.
METHODS: 20 subjects were enrolled for the study. The bleaching session was conducted with two 20-minute sessions of a 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent assisted by Er,Cr:YSGG laser (2,780 nm) at the left hemiarch and without laser activation on the right hemiarch. ΔΕ*ab, ΔΕ₀₀ and ΔWID were evaluated in central incisors and canines using a clinical spectrophotometer immediately, 7 days and 30 days after the bleaching procedure. TS was evaluated during the bleaching treatments in both hemiarches of the patients using a visual analogue scale.
RESULTS: The results revealed a significant increase in tooth color and whiteness changes following the tooth bleaching in both laser-treated and conventional groups and in all teeth. Tooth color and whiteness changes were observed immediately after the different treatments and were gradually reduced after 7 and 30 days (P< 0.05). Between the conventional and laser-assisted technique, there were statistically significant differences only in canines (P< 0.05) and in lower central incisors (P< 0.05). Mild TS was noticed in 85% of the patients, without differences between the bleaching treatments (P> 0.05).
CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Er,Cr:YSGG laser-assisted tooth bleaching treatment may enhance tooth color and whiteness changes but not in all the examined tooth types, without inducing more intense tooth sensitivity compared to the conventional technique.
PMID:40324039
