Comparison of Nd:YAG Laser Versus Scaling and Root Planing in Periodontal Therapy

Abstract

Our data suggest that laser therapy appeared to be less effective than traditional SRP treatment. Of the 4 treatment modalities, inclusion of SRP was found to have a superior IL- 1beta response, when compared to other therapies without it. In addition, no additional benefit was found when laser treatment was used secondary to traditional SRP therapy.

Clinical efficacy of semiconductor laser application as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing

“…Laser applications in the field of periodontology have been of enormous scientific interest throughout the last decade and a variety of laser systems have been investigated in numerous in vitro [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27] and in vivo studies [28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43]. In the treatment of inflammatory periodontal diseases, lasers may contribute to the bacterial reduction in periodontal pockets as well as to the removal of calculus and granulation tissue and can be used for contouring hyperplastic gingiva.…”

Laser Radiation as an Adjunct to Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontal Disease

“…In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that this laser is inefficient to successfully achieve root surface debridement, due to its poor ability to remove calculus. Nd:YAG should be employed as an adjunct to conventional mechanical treatments, rather than as a primary instrument in the treatment of periodontal pockets (Liu et al, 1999). The same as CO 2 laser, Nd:YAG produces different root surface alterations, induced by heat generation during irradiation (Fig.…”

Lasers and soft tissue: periodontal therapy

“…4,13,14 Several controlled studies have assessed the use of laser therapy combined with conventional scaling and root planing, although these investigations demonstrated no benefi t or only slightly improved treatment outcomes. [28][29][30][31] Conversely, a study in 2003 by Schwarz et al 32 using an erbium laser indicated that non-surgical periodontal therapy with both an Er:YAG laser plus scaling/root planing (SRP) and an Er:YAG laser alone, led to significant improvements in all clinical parameters investigated; also, the combined treatment Er: YAG laser plus SRP did not seem to additionally improve the outcome of the therapy compared to Er:YAG laser alone.…”