Comparative analysis of cytocompatible properties of the root surface exposed to diode laser (970 nm) as adjunct to scaling and root planing: An in vitro study

AIMS: The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of diode laser (970 nm) when used as adjunct to mechanical debridement on reattachment of fibroblast cell cultures to the root surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen extracted single-rooted human teeth were used in the study. Briefly, the anatomical crowns were removed; roots were sectioned and preserved in antiseptic solution. The sections were divided into three groups: (i) scaling and root planing (SRP), (ii) SRP followed by diode laser exposure and (iii) untreated control group. All the sections were inoculated with NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cell lines and cell attachment was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis and growth was quantitatively assessed by MTT assay after days 1, 3 and 5. RESULTS: On intragroup analysis, there was significant cell proliferation seen on day 1 and day 5. However, no significant differences were observed between the treatment groups at the various time points. CONCLUSION: 970-nm diode laser exposure had a positive effect in enhancing the fibroblast reattachment to root surfaces. However, to ascertain the role of laser treatment in enhancing the rapid cell growth compared to SRP, further quantitative studies with more sample numbers are required.