Based on these findings, it is appropriate to use a 1.0-W power output setting with an Er,Cr:YSGG laser for root scaling. This may be done without any conspicuous morphologic alterations to the root surface and with acceptably efficient removal of calculus.

Within the limits of this study, ICG-Nano/c with low-level diode laser (0.5 W; 805 nm) irradiation showed an aPDT-like effect, which might be useful for a potential photodynamic periodontal therapy.

The SEM and histologic findings demonstrated the feasibility of ablating pocket epithelium with an Nd:YAG laser irradiation using parameters of 2 W of power (200 mJ, 10 pps). Furthermore, the presence or absence of clinical inflammation appeared to have an impact on the degree of laser-mediated epithelial ablation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of laser irradiation on root surface demineralization caused by local drug delivery systems (DDS), and to evaluate the effect of sealing on drug retention. Background data: The duration of supportive periodontal treatment (SPT) has increased with increasing life expectancy. Repeated root planing and DDS application during SPT should be reconsidered with regard to their effects on the root surface. Methods: Extracted human teeth were collected, cut into 3 · 3 · 2 mm root dentin specimens, and divided randomly into eight groups with various combinations of Nd:YAG laser power (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 W), with and without DDS (minocycline HCl). Specimen microhardness and calcium (Ca) solubility were measured after treatment. The specimens (control and laser and DDS groups) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Forty SPT patients were recruited, to assess the effect of periodontal pocket sealing on drug retention. Results: Laser irradiation increased the microhardness of root specimens in an energy-dependent manner. Calcium solubilities decreased from the 0 W + DDS group to the 2.0 W + DDS group. The mean Ca solubilities in the 1.0 W + DDS and 2.0 W + DDS groups were significantly lower than in the 0 W + DDS group ( p < 0.01, p < 0.001, respectively). Laser irradiation counteracted the softening effect of DDS. Morphologic change was observed in the 2W + DDS group; however, no morphologic changes were observed in the control and the 1W + DDS groups. The mean concentration of minocycline in the periodontal pocket 24 h after application was 252.79 -67.50 lg/mL.Conclusions: Laser irradiation of the root surface inhibited the softening and decalcification caused by minocycline HCl. Sealing the periodontal pockets effectively improved drug retention. These results suggest that the combination of laser irradiation and DDS could benefit patients receiving repeated SPT.

As Japanese population is aging, the importance of non-invasive and non-surgical periodontal treatment is increasing because elder people suffering from some systemic diseases and taking many medicines. The aim of periodontal treatment is to eliminate the biofilm in the periodontal pocket which is major etiologic factor of periodontal disease. A disadvantage of conventional non-surgical periodontal treatment using scaler is that accessibility of scaler to the bottom of pocket is not enough. Accessibility of the laser fiber is better than scaler, so the effect of biofilm removal is expected. However, as a point of consider, there is a problem of heat of generation. We discuss, here, the point of advantage of laser treatment rather than conventional methods and of a consideration for usage of laser.