Low-level diode laser periodontal treatment: clinical findings

Objectives: To assess the effects of low-level laser treatment in combination with Scaling/Root Planing (SRP) in periodontitis patients.

Material and Methods: Eighty generally healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Sixty subjects with chronic advanced periodontitis were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n=20) after collecting gingival clinical parameters. 20 periodontally-healthy subjects served as control group (A). Group B received SRP on a single quadrant/day for 4 consecutive days. On day 5 all quadrants were rescaled. Following the same time schedule, Group C received the same treatment of Group B and in addition, laser application. Group D received the same procedures of Groups C but the laser treatment was administered for a total of 10 days.

A low-energy level diode laser 630-670nm (Skorpion D-4057A, Optika Laser, Bulgaria) was used. The tip was set to continuous mode and applied and kept in light contact for 15sec with the gingival tissues in all interdental spaces (facial and lingual) for approximately 4min per quadrant. Laser treatment was performed at each visit for Groups C and D. Plaque (PI), gingival (GI) and bleeding (BI) indices were recorded for all groups.

Results: For all clinical parameters, statistically significant difference (p<0.005) was reported for all treatment groups when compared to baseline data.

PI

Baseline 0±0(A) 2.36±0.74(B) 2.36±0.74(C) 2.36±0.74(D)

After-treatment NA(A) 1.2±0.4(B) 0.77±0.44(C) 0.71±0.61(D)

GI

Baseline 0±0(A) 2.43±0.51(B) 2.43±0.51(C) 2.43±0.51(D)

After-treatment NA(A) 1.07±0.46(B) 0.77±0.44(C) 0.5±0.65(D)

BI

Baseline 0±0(A) 2.21±0.43(B) 2.21±0.43(C) 2.21±0.43(D)

After-treatment NA(A) 0.67±0.72(B) 0.23±0.44(C)0.14±0.36(D)

Conclusions: The results of this study showed immediate decrease of PI, GI and BI after periodontal therapy that included SRP and low-level diode laser irradiation. This suggests that a low-energy level diode laser has a beneficial effect on the treatment of inflammatory chronic advanced periodontitis.