Diode 940nm Low-level Laser on Wound Healing after Periodontal Surgery

Abstract

Objectives: Few data are available on the potential effects of low-level laser as an adjunct to surgical periodontal therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a diode 940nm low-level laser on wound healing in sites after periodontal access surgery in terms of clinical parameters and patient perceptions. Methods: This study is a prospective, longitudinal, splitmouth clinical trial lasting 12 months. Chronic periodontitis patients in need of bilateral periodontal surgery were selected. Test side received low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with 940nm diode laser immediately post-surgery, and at 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 35 days post-surgery. Standardized photographs and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were taken. Wound healing was assessed by three periodontists using sequential photographs taken, scores were given according to healing index (HI) by Landry et al.(1988) and early healing index (EHI). Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded for pain and post-operative discomfort assessment. Clinical parameters including PD, recession, PAL were collected on teeth involved in the surgery at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after completion of periodontal surgery.

Results: A total of 63 patients were screened and 18 were recruited in the study. Access flap surgery has been done in 6 of the subjects. Mean HI and EHI for both sides (test/control) were 3.13/2.88 and 2.75/3 respectively. Mean VAS for the test side was 0.27 and that of control side was 0.55. No significant difference between test and control side could be found in mean HI, EHI and VAS. No adverse effect had been reported in all patients receiving the laser therapy.

Conclusions: Initial results reveal that a diode 940nm low-level laser might not be effective in promoting better wound healing after periodontal access surgery.