RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Er:Cr:YSGG laser therapy on the reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity while taking into account the length and depth of the cervical abrasion. METHODS: We included adults (age, 20-60 years) with at least 2 hypersensitive teeth. The hypersensitive teeth were stimulated with a pressure-indicating probe and an air syringe. The response of the subjects to this stimulation was quantified using a visual analog scale (VAS) and Schiff air sensitivity score. The patients were treated at baseline, immediately after laser treatment, and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after the Er:Cr:YSGG laser therapy. The results were analyzed by repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni's post hoc test. RESULTS: The values of tactile test and air blast test showed statistically significant differences between the following time points: baseline and immediately after laser treatment, baseline and first week after treatment, and immediately after laser treatment and first week after treatment (P0.05). The depth and width of the cervical abrasion was not statistically significant in dentinal hypersensitivity reduction (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Er:Cr:YSGG laser therapy reduced dentinal hypersensitivity, especially immediately after laser treatment. The depth and width of the cervical abrasion is not statistically significant in dentinal hypersensitivity reduction.