Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare pediatric dental residents' comfort levels and cavity preparation time using an Er, Cr:YSGG laser versus a conventional high-speed handpiece.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on residents with no past restorative dental laser experience. A mixed-effects model was used to evaluate the difference in total time and comfort level between the laser and high-speed handpiece groups.
Results: A total of 131 teeth (high-speed handpiece group equals 79; laser group equals 52) were completed. The adjusted result showed that the estimated average difference in preparation time among the laser group was 1.92 minutes longer per tooth compared to the high-speed handpiece group. Similarly, when using a laser, residents had a 0.74 times lower rate of comfort compared to the high-speed handpiece group.
Conclusions: The total preparation time required for restorative treatment with a laser was significantly higher than the total time with a high-speed handpiece. Additionally, the comfort level was also lower using a laser compared to a high-speed preparation.