ReviewCureus2026
Laser-Induced Changes in Root Dentin Microhardness: Evidence From a Systematic Review.
Review in Cureus, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
5 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Dentin plays a critical role in tooth strength and function, yet conventional rotary instrumentation produces a smear layer that impedes bonding and cleaning. Laser technology has been introduced as an alternative for dentin conditioning, offering precise ablation and minimal thermal damage when properly applied. However, variations in laser type and parameters have led to inconsistent findings regarding their effects on dentin. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of laser irradiation on dentin microhardness, smear layer removal, and surface morphology in in-vitro studies, focusing on Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG and diode laser systems. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted up to June 15, 2025. Eligible in vitro studies investigated dentin's structural, compositional, or mechanical changes following laser irradiation. Data were extracted on laser parameters, outcomes, and bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist. Due to heterogeneity, findings were narratively synthesized. Thirteen studies published between 2012 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria. Diode and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers showed superior smear layer removal and enhanced surface cleanliness. Er:YAG lasers demonstrated effective cleaning with minimal damage. Nd:YAG and high-powered Er,Cr:YSGG reduced microhardness and caused morphological changes. Most studies had low to moderate risk of bias. Diode and erbium-based lasers effectively enhance smear layer removal and preserve dentin integrity when used under controlled parameters. Optimized laser protocols show strong potential as adjunctive tools for safer and more efficient dentin conditioning in restorative and endodontic practice.
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What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.