The effectiveness of high-power diode laser as an adjunct to mechanical instrumentation of deep pockets in a patient with generalized, stage III, grade C periodontitis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Periodontitis is an inflammatory clinical condition caused by dysbiotic biofilm that results in progressive destruction of periodontal attachment and can lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of high-power diode laser as an adjunct to mechanical instrumentation in periodontal pockets of a patient with generalized, stage III, grade C periodontitis. Methods: 126 sites of a patient were examined at the Clinical Research Laboratory (LabClin) of the Federal University of Campina Grande (UFCG), where the parameters of probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BoP) were evaluated at the beginning of the study and after 3 and 6 months of basic therapy. All sites received non-surgical periodontal treatment which corresponds to scaling and root planing (SRP) and coronary polishing. The deep periodontal pockets with PD ≥ 5 mm, received the adjuvant therapy with diode laser light. Results: There was a significant improvement of periodontal parameters of PD, CAL and BoP in all treated sites. In those with PD ≥ 5 mm, the results were similar, with statistically significant reduction of PD, CAL and BoP before and after treatment. After 6 months, all periodontal pockets with PD ≥ 5mm were reduced to values lower than 3. Conclusion: The irradiation of deep pockets with high-power diode laser proved to be effective as adjuvant therapy to SRP in patients with generalized, stage III, degree C periodontitis.