Can a laser replace the drill to spare kids dental pain?
NCT ID NCT07759739
First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial asks whether using a laser instead of a traditional drill to prepare cavities can reduce pain, anxiety, and discomfort in children aged 6 to 12 with molar-incisor hypomineralization (a condition causing weak enamel). Half of the 52 participants will have cavities prepared with an Er:YAG laser, and the other half with a standard rotary drill. Researchers will measure pain, anxiety, heart rate, need for local anesthesia, and how well the fillings hold up over six months.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Er:YAG laser-assisted cavity preparation
- What this could lead to
- If laser preparation proves less painful and anxiety-provoking, it could become a preferred method for treating children with this condition, improving their dental experience.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial, and results may not apply to all children. Laser equipment is costly, and not all dental practices may adopt it.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 52 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2026
- Expected to finish
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Sep 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 12 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Children aged 6 to 12 years. * Diagnosis of molar-incisor hypomineralization according to the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry diagnostic criteria. * Presence of mild or moderate molar-incisor hypomineralization. * Presence of an erupted mandibular first permanent molar (tooth 36 or 46) requiring restorative treatment. * Presence of a single-surface occlusal carious lesion classified as ICDAS code 4 or 5. * Vital target tooth without clinical or radiographic signs of pulpal or periapical pathology. * No previous restorative treatment of the target tooth. * Cooperative behavior corresponding to Frankl behavior rating scores 3 or 4 and Venham scores 0 to 2. * Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian. * Child assent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of a systemic or neurodevelopmental condition that could affect pain perception, anxiety, communication, or cooperation. * Use of analgesic, anxiolytic, sedative, or other medication that could influence pain or anxiety assessment before treatment. * Presence of spontaneous dental pain, irreversible pulpitis, pulp necrosis, or periapical pathology in the target tooth. * Requirement for multisurface cavity preparation or extensive restorative treatment. * Previous restorative treatment of the target tooth. * Inability of the child or parent/legal guardian to understand or complete the study assessments. * Refusal of the child or parent/legal guardian to participate.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Ege University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Pediatric Dentistry
Izmir, İzmir, 35100, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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