Effect of diode laser as an adjunct to open flap debridement in treatment of periodontitis – A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The goals of periodontal therapy are to prevent the disease, arrest the disease progression, and regeneration of lost periodontium. Diode laser gained popularity in periodontal practice with a wide range of potential benefits. AIM: This study aims to evaluate and compare the clinical effects of laser-assisted open flap debridement (OFD) versus conventional OFD for the periodontitis treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A split-mouth, randomized clinical trial was conducted on fifteen participants with periodontitis having probing pocket depths (PPD) ≥5 mm. A total of 30 sites, two sites in each patient, were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received conventional OFD, and Group B received laser-assisted OFD. The assessment of PPD, relative attachment level (RAL), modified sulcular bleeding index (mSBI) was done at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Wound healing index (WHI) was assessed at 3(rd) and 7(th) day postsurgery, patient response to pain using visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed immediately, 1 day, and 1 week after surgery. RESULTS: The results revealed a significant reduction in PPD, mSBI, and gain in RAL within the groups from baseline to 3 months and 6 months. Intergroup comparison showed a significant difference in PPD, RAL, mSBI, WHI and VAS scores. CONCLUSIONS: The use of 980 nm diode laser provided additional benefits over conventional flap therapy.