Clinical evaluation of Er : YAG laser in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in comparison with that of hand and ultrasonic treatment

Abstract EN

Background : The use of lasers for treatment of periodontal diseases has become a topic of much interest in periodontal therapy, based on its various characteristics, such as tissue ablation, homeostasis and sterilization effect.

Materials and methods : A total of 72 periodontal pockets were selected and randomly grouped into three groups ; treated by Er : YAG laser (160 mJ – 15 Hz), ultrasonic scaling device and hand instruments respectively.

Clinical periodontal assessments (PI, BOP, PPD and RAL) were performed before starting treatment and after three months.

Numerical rating scale was used to evaluate pain level that the patient experience during each type of treatment.

Results : The results show statistically significant (P < 0.05) reduction in all periodontal clinical parameters at the second visit in all groups, but the group treated by Er : YAG laser shows most significant improvement when compared with other two groups, also less pain was felt during treatment by Er : YAG laser with a mean of (1.166), followed by ultrasonic instrument (mean = 4.916), while treatment by hand instruments are regarded as the most painful one with a mean of (8.166).

Conclusion : It was concluded that Er : YAG laser (of 160mJ energy at 15 Hz pulse repetition rate) could be used as an alternative to conventional non surgical periodontal treatment (ultrasonic and hand instruments).