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

Al Safi, Khulood; Al Dabbagh, Fahad

	Clinical evaluation of Er: YAG laser in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in comparison with that of hand and ultrasonic treatment
Journal of baghdad college of dentistry
Article 1, Volume 23, Issue 2, 2011, Pages 78-83
Authors
Khulood Al Safi; Fahad Al Dabbagh
Abstract
ABSTRACTBackground: The use of lasers for treatment of periodontal diseases has become a topic of much interest inperiodontal 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 (160mJ – 15Hz), ultrasonic scaling device and hand instruments respectively. Clinicalperiodontal 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 secondvisit in all groups, but the group treated by Er:YAG laser shows most significant improvement when compared withother two groups, also less pain was felt during treatment by Er:YAG laser with a mean of (1.166), followed byultrasonic instrument (mean = 4.916), while treatment by hand instruments are regarded as the most painful one witha mean of (8.166).Conclusion:It was concluded that Er:YAG laser (of 160mJ energy at 15Hz pulse repetition rate) could be used as analternative to conventional non surgical periodontal treatment (ultrasonic and hand instruments).Key words: chronic periodontitis, Er:YAG laser, hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments. (J Bagh Coll Dentistry2011;23(78-83).

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