Abstract: PURPOSE: To explore the efficiency of diode laser-assisted methods in direct pulp capping of carious teeth. METHODS: A total of 100 carious teeth were randomly divided into experimental group and control group, 50 in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with conventional treatment, while in the experimental group, 808 nm, 1.5 W laser with fiber diameter of 320 μm was used on the exposure site to control hemorrhage, and 1W laser was used to decontaminate the cavity. SPSS 19.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of 50 patients in the experimental group, three teeth were lost to follow-up, the total effective rate was 89.4%. Of 50 patients in the control group, five teeth were lost to follow-up, the total effective rate was 73.3%. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Laser-assisted procedure in carious exposures is more effective than conventional treatment in pulp-capping therapy, which is worthy of wide application.

Key words: Diode laser, Direct pulp capping, Carious teeth