Management of Severe Periodontal Abscesses Using a Laser and Light‐Emitting Diode Procedure Adjunctive to Scaling and Root Planing: A Case Series

Abstract

Introduction: The current literature reports different treatment procedures for periodontal abscesses mainly based on empiricism, but an evidence‐based treatment of choice is still lacking. This case series shows the favorable results of a multilaser/light‐emitting diode (LED) treatment, termed photoablative‐photodynamic (PAPD) laser/LED therapy, adjunctive to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the management of acute periodontal abscesses. Case Series: Six patients underwent photoablation of the contaminated gingival epithelium by diode laser (λ 810 nm), irradiation with a λ 405‐nm LED, SRP, and repeated photodynamic treatments with 0.3% methylene blue activated with a λ 635‐nm diode laser to achieve antiseptic and anti‐inflammatory effects. Clinical examination and cytofluorescent analysis were used to evaluate the effects of this combined treatment. Subjective pain/discomfort was scored by a visual analog scale and questionnaire. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this case series, the present results indicate that the described PAPD laser/LED treatment performed in adjunct to conventional SRP can be a valuable approach to the treatment of acute periodontal abscesses because it is capable of accelerating periodontal healing while avoiding the use of local or systemic antibiotics and flap surgery.