Effects of Er:YAG laser compared to ultrasonic scaler in periodontal treatment:: A 2-year follow-up split-mouth clinical study

Background: The aim of this clinical study was to compare the results of non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease with an erbium -doped: yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser to root debridement with an ultrasonic scaler. Methods: Twenty-five patients furnished two quadrants containing four teeth with probing depths (PD) >4 mm; the quadrants were divided equally between the right and left sides. On one side, teeth were treated by Er:YAG laser using 160 mJ/pulse at 10 Hz (test group); on the contralateral side, teeth were treated by ultrasonic scaler (control group). Clinical baseline data, including plaque index, gingival index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded before treatment and at 3 months and 1 and 2 years. Results: There were statistically significant differences in PD between the test and control groups for pockets of 1 to 4 mm (P <0.05), 5 to 6 mm (P <0.0 1), and >= 7 mm (P <0.00 1). However, there were no significant differences between the test and control groups for CAL gain in pockets of 1 to 4 mm; statistically significant differences were found between the test and control groups in pockets of 5 to 6 mm (P<0.01) and >= 7 mm (P<0.001). Conclusion: Er:YAG laser periodontal treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in PD and CAL gain compared to ultrasonic scaler treatment at 2-year follow-up, especially in moderate and deep pockets.