Erbium, chromium:Yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er, Cr:YSGG) laser versus diode laser in the treatment of pericoronitis

Background: There are limited number of studies about the lasers used for the treatment of pericoronitis infection. Aim: To compare the Er, Cr:YSGG laser and diode laser applications clinically in the treatment of pericoronitis infection. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients with pericoronitis infection were divided into three groups using block randomization: Er, Cr: YSGG + antibiotic group, n = 20 (mean age: 24.20 +/- 6.13; 14 females, 6 males); diode group + antibiotic, n = 20 (mean age: 23.45 +/- 2.96; 14 females, 6 males); and antibiotic, n = 20 ( mean age: 22.45 +/- 3.02; 11 females, 9 males). In addition, laser application was performed for patients in the Er, Cr:YSGG and diode laser groups on the 1(st) and 2(nd) days until the extraction day. Tooth extractions were performed on the 3(rd) day for all patients. Patients' pain (with visual analog scale [VAS]), lymphadenopathy, and local edema were clinically evaluated in the first 3 days and on the 7(th) day of treatment. Results: Pain score on the 2(nd) day of treatment was determined to be significantly lower in the Er, Cr:YSGG + antibiotic laser group as compared with the other two groups (P = 0.019). Although regression of lymphadenopathy on the 3rd day was highest (P = 0.025) in the Er, Cr:YSGG group, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding local edema. Conclusion: Er, Cr: YSGG laser improved the healing process in the treatment of pericoronitis and made an important contribution to the treatment.