Network meta-analysis of the desensitizing effects of lasers in patients with dentine hypersensitivity

Objectives This network meta-analysis compares different lasers, placebo, and no treatment in terms of their effects on dentine hypersensitivity (DH) immediately after treatment and over the long term (1 month). Methods A systematic electronic literature search of four databases and a manual search were performed to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining different laser treatments for the treatment of DH. Pairwise and network meta-analyses were performed to analyze the desensitization effect immediately after treatment and over the long term. The risk of bias was assessed based on the Cochrane guidelines and funnel plots. The quality of the evidence, statistical heterogeneity, inconsistencies, and ranking probability were also evaluated. Results A total of 11 RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis; 11 and 9 of these studies analyzed immediate and long-term effects, respectively. All four types of laser had a better desensitizing effect than controls immediately after treatment and over the long term, but there were no significant differences among the four different lasers. There was a significant placebo effect immediately after treatment. The laser with the highest probability of being the most effective treatment for DH was Er,Cr:YSGG immediately after treatment and over the long term (73% and 47%, respectively). Conclusions All four types of laser had significantly better effects than no treatment on DH immediately after treatment and in the long term, but there were no significant differences among the four lasers. In addition, there was a significant placebo effect, supporting the importance of including a placebo group in future studies. Furthermore, Er,Cr:YSGG may be the most effective laser for the treatment of DH immediately and over the long term. Clinical relevance This study used network meta-analyses to compare different lasers, placebo, and no treatment over different time periods, which is to provide guidance for selecting an appropriate laser treatment in patients with DH.