Evaluation of the use of a 940 nm diode laser as an adjunct in flap surgery for treatment of chronic periodontitis

Abstract

Background:Lasers have several potential benefits such as antibacterial effect and stimulation of wound healing. In addition, hemostasis and delaying epithelial migration may facilitate the outcome of flap surgery. There is a minimal research and evidence currently available for the optimum method of use of a diode laser in flap surgery and its benefit and safety. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the adjunctive effect of diode laser irradiation in open flap debridement (OFD), while treating chronic periodontitis.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 patients with generalized chronic moderate to severe periodontitis with pocket probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm post - Phase I therapy were selected for a split-mouth study. Flap surgery with adjunctive diode laser irradiation was performed in the test quadrant while routine OFD was done in the control quadrant. Clinical parameters including PD, clinical attachment level, gingival recession, plaque index, gingival index and tooth mobility were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months following treatment. In addition, patients’ rating of procedural pain as well as the development of complications postoperatively was assessed.Results:All clinical parameters significantly improved after therapy without any statistically significant difference between the two groups for any of the parameters. The exception was a significantly greater reduction in gingival inflammation in the laser treated group. The laser treatment was acceptable to the patient and did not cause any complications.Conclusion:The diode laser can be safely and effectively used as an adjunct to the treatment of chronic periodontitis with the advantage of decreased gingival inflammation.

Effect of diode laser-assisted flap surgery on postoperative healing and clinical parameters: A randomized controlled clinical trial

“…This is in accordance with another study in which similar results were reported. [ 27 ] However, in contrast to the present study, one study reported significantly less pain experienced by patients in the test sites with a mean score of 2.4 + 1.9 compared to the control sites 3.6 + 2.7 which was attributed to the biostimulation effect of laser. [ 32 ] However, a few studies[ 30 33 ] reported no statistically significant differences in pain scores between the sites.…”

“…[ 26 ] Whereas, in contrast to the present study, one study showed a significant difference between the groups with a greater reduction of gingival inflammation in the laser group which was attributed to the bacterial reduction achieved by the use of laser. [ 27 ]…”

Comparative evaluation of healing after gingivectomy with electrocautery and laser

“…3 Sample size requirement of split mouth design are much less as compared to other methods. The present study showed that there was no significant difference in the post-operative healing and outcome after gingivectomy with laser or electrocautery.…”

Evaluation of Bio-Stimulatory Effect of Low Intensity Laser on Platelet Rich Fibrin System and Bone Graft in Treatment of Infra-Bony Defect

“…Plaque index among the two groups showed significant difference indicated that laser groups showed better reduction in PI, indicating the bacterial reduction achieved using laser, as revealed by previous studies evaluated the effect of LLLT on plaque formation (30) . Gingival index' results were significantly different between the groups in favor to laser groups, indicating its greater effect in reduction gingival inflammation.…”