Efficacy of Diode Laser (980 Nm) and Non-Surgical Therapy on Management of Periodontitis?A Randomized Clinical Trial
Author(s): Amel I Faragalla*, Alhadi M Awooda, Ahmed K Bolad and Ibrahim A Ghandour
Abstract
Introduction: Laser technology, in conjugation to non-surgical therapy, could improve the clinical periodontal parameters and reduce the total bacterial count. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of Diode laser (980 nm) when applied to scaling and root planing in the management of periodontitis. Subjects and Methods: Randomized controlled prospective clinical trial, designed with split-mouth technique and conducted to 28 men’s and women’s patients, diagnosed with Generalized Periodontitis Stage II/III Grade B. Ethical approval received from the Federal Health Ministry, Khartoum. All participants received oral hygiene instructions, bacterial sampling, and measurement of clinical periodontal parameters. Full-mouth scaling, polishing, and root planing were applied. One sextant received in addition, single dose of Diode laser (980 nm). Probing Pocket Depth, Gingival Index, Plaque Index, and Sulcus Bleeding Index were measured three times during the nine months of the study. Comparison between different parametric data produced by independent t-test with the level of statistical significance set at P <0.05. Results: The analysis of the clinical parameters in the laser group showed a significant reduction in pocket depth from 4.73 ± 0.96 to 3.69 ± 1.10 (P=0.02), plaque index from 1.3427 ± 0.25 to 1.06 ± 0.30 (P=0.021), and sulcus bleeding index from 2.20 ± 0.56 to 1.30 ± 0.06 (P=0.002). General improvement of all clinical parameters- (GI, PLI, PPD, and SBI) reported for both groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Diode laser (980 Nm), when applied in conjugation to SRP, effectively reduces gingival inflammation and periodontal pockets (4-6 mm) depth than SRP alone in managing periodontitis.