We have reported pain relieving effects and blood flow changes in dental pulp by laser irradiation. The aim of this study was to investigate the threshold of thermal sensation and blood flow in dental pulp by low-power Nd:YAG laser irradiation to the mental foramen.
Materials and Methods: Medical staff of Tsurumi University School of Dental Medicine with normal right lower canines received low-power Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the left mental foramen. Blood flow and the threshold of thermal sensation at the right lower canine were measured and compared with those at rest.
Results: Nd:YAG laser irradiation to the left mental foramen elevated blood flow in the dental pulp below the right lower canine (p < 0.05). After irradiation, the blood flow decreased rapidly and became equal to that at rest. The threshold of thermal sensation was also elevated by laser irradiation (p < 0.05).
Discussion: Nd:YAG laser irradiation on the mental foramen resulted in increases of blood flow in the dental pulp and the threshold of thermal sensation, suggesting that it may be effective, for example, for relieving pain by suppressing the sympathetic nerve.
