Clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy as an adjunct to nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis

Abstract

Aims and Objective : In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of dental lasers for the treatment of periodontal diseases. The purpose of this randomized, split-mouth clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planning (SRP). Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients with untreated chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned in a split-mouth design to receive SRP with or without adjunctive LLLT. Clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth were recorded at baseline, 1 st month and 3 rd month after the treatment. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected for the assay of interleukin-1b (IL-1b) levels at baseline, 1 st week and 1 st month. Results: Both laser and control sides showed a significant reduction in IL-1b levels in GCF at 1 st week and 1 st month (P < 0.001). On comparing, laser sides showed a significant reduction in IL-1b levels at 1 st week (P = 0.041). No significant difference in IL-1b levels were found between laser and control sides at 3 rd month (P = 0.450). All the clinical parameters showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) at 1 st and 3 rd month after the treatment between laser and control sides. Conclusion: The present study suggests that LLLT could be a beneficial adjunct to nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis on a short-term basis.