Background  Eliminating the source of infection is the key to the success of root canal therapy, while laser is widely used for its effective bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects.

  Objective  To investigate the clinical curative effect of single-visit root canal therapy with Erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser and Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser on pulpitis and apical periodontitis for the elderly.

  Methods  From January 2017 to January 2018, 160 (effective number of cases) cases of pulpitis and apical periodontitis admitted to Rocket Army Featured Medical Center were randomly divided into LA group (single-visit root canal therapy+laser) and NC group (single-visit root canal therapy). The response of patients at 1 day, 3 days and 7 days after treatment were observed and the satisfaction and clinical efficacy at 1 year after treatment were evaluated.

  Results  At 1d and 3d after surgery, the non-response rates of LA group were 60.00% and 82.50%, respectively, while the non-response rates of NC group were 41.25% and 60.00%, respectively, showing statistical difference (P＜0.05). There was no significant difference in pain at 7 days after treatment. The success rate of the two groups was 97.5% and 98.75% respectively in the first year after treatment, and the difference was not statistically significant (P＞0.05).

  Conclusion  In the treatment of endodontic pulp disease and periapical disease in elderly patients, the long-term outcomes are the same regardless of whether laser is used, while the use of laser can significantly reduce the immediate postoperative pain response.