Objective The complete removal of bacterial plaque and their endotoxins in deeper areas of periodontal pockets is often difficult to achieve with conventional methods such as periodontal pocket curettage. An alternative to these methods that recently gained popularity in periodontology is the diode laser, with its antibacterial effect, angiogenesis promotion as advantages. Materials and Methods This study included 100 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, with periodontal pockets up to 6 mm, and who were divided into two groups: patients treated with basic therapy and diode laser application, and patients treated with basic therapy and with flap surgery. The clinical periodontal evaluation was done before the treatment and 6 months after the treatment. Evaluation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 as an inflammatory indicator in gingival exudate was done with dipstick immunoassay test before the treatment and 6 months later. Results This study showed a more pronounced improvement of periodontal clinical parameters, as well as a decrease in MMP-8 values in gingival exudate in the laser-treated group compared with the surgically treated group. Conclusion The results of this study are encouraging for the use of the diode laser as a noninvasive method in the treatment of periodontal pathologies.

Background: Periodontal therapy consists of eliminating the inflammation, treating periodontal pockets, motivating the patient for oral hygiene, and, if necessary, for surgical treatment. Recently, the application of a diode laser is widely being investigated for periodontal disease treatment. Objective: The analysis and evaluation of the clinical and biochemical impact of diode laser periodontal treatment, compared to either surgical or non-surgical, therapy, was the aim of this study. Methods: The study involved 80 patients older than 18 with at least 20 teeth. Evaluation of periodontal parameters was done conveniently on a single-rooted tooth (incisive, canine, premolar) on six surfaces, before the start of periodontal therapy, and after three, and six months. The laser used in the study was a diode laser with a wavelength of 980 nm. Digital X-rays were taken for bone level evaluation before and after the treatment. The presence of a bone destruction mediator (Matrix metalloproteinase-8 - MMP-8) was evaluated by the dipstick immunoassay test. Biochemical analysis and radiographic measurements were evaluated at the baseline and six months after the treatment. The statistical analysis included χ2-test and one-way ANOVA. Results: The results of this study showed that diode laser treatment was more effective in reducing periodontal clinical parameters, lowering MMP-8 levels and reducing the bone loss, compared to the group treated with scaling and root planning, or with a surgical approach. Conclusion: Diode laser may be considered as an effective alternative for periodontal treatment, with benefits in clinical and biochemical parameters.

Objective Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) may be beneficial for disadvantaged populations with no or limited access to dental services. This study aimed to evaluate the survival rate of single-surface ART restorations in primary posterior teeth in children with high caries risk. Materials and Methods This study was conducted in six rural areas of the Republic of Kosovo, and 100 children aged 3 to 8 years participated in the study. Information was obtained from each parent/guardian regarding their children, such as sociodemographic characteristics, general health, dental history, dietary habits, oral hygiene, and fluoride exposure. The reduced Cariogram was used to estimate the risk of caries in the participants based on the seven factors specified in the program, and all the provided information were collected and entered in a computer program of the Cariogram. A pediatric dentist, accompanied by two assistants, performed 100 ART restorations in school settings using high-viscosity glass-ionomer cement (Fuji IX) following the nine steps of the ART procedure. The restorations were evaluated at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using the ART restoration criteria. Statistical Analysis Percentages, mean value, standard deviation, mean interquartile range, and difference test between arithmetic mean values were used to analyze the research results. Results Review of the average of reduced Cariogram showed that the majority of children, 72%, were at high risk of developing caries, with only 28% having a good chance of avoiding caries in the future. A total of 77% of the children in the study had never visited dentists before due to poor economic conditions and the lack of dentists in the area. The success rates of ART restorations performed in single-surface cavities in primary teeth were very encouraging, with more than 97% success rates after a 1-year follow-up period. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that ART is efficient, affordable, and practical for the treatment of single-surface cavities in primary posterior teeth. Owing to its low price and atraumatic nature, ART can potentially help disadvantaged children in Kosovo access dental care.