Evaluation of the effects of Nd:YAG laser compared to scaling and root planning alone on clinical periodontal parameters

Background and aim. The use of certain lasers has been proposed as an adjunctive method in periodontal pocket therapies. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Nd:YAG laser on the clinical periodontal parameters following scaling and root planning (SRP) in comparison to SPR alone.Materials and methods. Six adults with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis, each with at least two 4- to 7-mm pockets in single-rooted teeth, were selected. From a total of 68 sites studied, 28 were randomly allocated to the control group receiving SRP alone and 40 pockets were allocated to the test group receiving SRP assisted by Nd:YAG laser therapy (100 mJ/Pulse, 2 Hz, 2 min). Clinical parameters were recorded and compared before and three months after treatment. The data was analyzed using SPSS software.Results. Both test and control groups revealed significant improvements in pocket probing depth, 3.2 ± 1.4 mm and 1.4 ± 1 mm respectively, P < 0.001), clinical attachment level (2.2 ± 1.6 mm and 0.6 ± 1.2mm respectively, P < 0.001), and bleeding on probing (77.5% and 46.4% respectively, P < 0.05). However, the improvement in the test group was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.01).Conclusion. Nd:YAG laser can be suggested as an adjunctive method for treatment of periodontal pockets.