Bacterial Reduction in Periodontal Pockets Through Irradiation with a Diode Laser: A Pilot Study

Abstract

This study examines the application of a diode laser with a wavelength of 805 nm for periodontal treatment. While the use of the diode laser in this field has not been investigated so far, several authors have reported on the use of neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser for such applications. The aim of this study was to examine the immediate effect of the diode laser in reducing the bacterial concentration in periodontal pockets. Important periodontal indices (PBI, CPITN) were assessed in 50 patients to obtain initial values for a planned long-term study and to select appropriate periodontal pockets for this study. The periodontal pockets were required to have a minimum depth of 4 mm. Only proximal pockets were included in this study. The patients were subdivided into two groups. After microbiological samples had been collected with sterile paper tips, the group selected for laser treatment was subjected to scaling. One week after scaling, the patients underwent laser treatment. One week later, a second series of microbiological samples were obtained and the patients were subjected again to scaling; this time, however, they did not undergo laser treatment after 1 week. Two weeks after scaling, another series of microbiological samples was collected. The microbiological samples were evaluated to verify bacterial elimination from the periodontal pockets. A comparison between the initial and the final bacterial counts revealed that irradiation with the diode laser facilitates considerable bacterial elimination, especially of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, from periodontal pockets.

Alternative Treatment Approaches in Chronic Periodontitis: Laser Applications

“…Moritz et al (1997) showed a significant reduction of bacteria, as A. actynomicetemcomitans, with a parallel improvement of periodontal parameters. Caruso et al (2008) compared the effectiveness of a diode laser (980 nm wavelength) used as an adjunct to SRP to SRP alone, with a power output of 2.5 W in a pulse mode (30 Hz) and a tip (400 μm) angulated at 20°.…”

A Study of the Diode Laser Phototherapy for Enhancing Healing and Reduction of Microbial Count in Periodontal Pockets within a Saudi Community

“…Provided histological evidence of formation of new cement, periodontal ligament, and bone. When CO 2 Laser was used for debridementing class III furcation defects used Er:YAG Laser for debridement during access flap surgery and noted promoted more new bone formation. The bactericidal effect of DL is evident from the reduction in the CFUs of obligate anaerobes.…”

“…This method, together with dental plaque control performed by the patient, is efficient in the treatment of periodontal diseases [1] . Since it is known that periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by a bacterial infection, hence the bactericidal and detoxifying effect of laser treatment is advantageous in periodontal therapy [2] . DL has bactericidal effectiveness [3] Moreover, there is a significant suppression of Actinomycete mcomitans, an invasive bacterium that is associated with aggressive forms of periodontal disease that are not readily treated with conventional scaling and root planning (SRP).…”

Management of Gingival Pigmentation with Diode Laser: Is It a Predictive Tool?

“…17 Also, diode is an excellent soft tissue laser and is indicated for cutting and coagulating gingival tissue. 18,19 Thus, we decided to use diode lasers. Wavelengths of diode laser are highly absorbed by pigmented tissue.…”