Evaluation of Effectiveness of Soft Tissue Diode Laser as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in the Treatment of Chronic Generalized Periodontitis – A Randomized Split-Mouth Clinical Study

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of diode laser (DL) used alongside scaling and root planing (SRP) compared to SRP by itself in the management of individuals with chronic generalized periodontitis.

Material and Methods: Ten subjects aged 25 – 55 years participated in this randomized split-mouth clinical study. All subjects with 80 selected sites were randomly divided into 2 equal groups depending on the treatment provided. SRP alone (Group I control group) and soft tissue diode laser as an adjunct to SRP (Group II test group). The assessment of clinical parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline, on day 30, and again at 90 days.

Results: The mean values of PPD from baseline to three months exhibited a highly significant difference between groups I and II on both the mesial and distal aspects (p < 0.02). Similarly, the mean values of CAL from baseline to three months revealed a significant difference between the two groups on the distal and buccal aspects (p < 0.02). In terms of intragroup comparisons, both groups demonstrated a reduction in the mean differences of PI, GI, and individually from baseline to three months, with a significance level of (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The adjunctive use of 970 nm DL with SRP provides moderate additional clinical benefit in moderate periodontal pockets 4-6 mm.