Evaluation of the effect of the GaAlAs laser on subgingival scaling and root planing

Objective: To evaluate the auxiliary effect of the low-intensity laser in subgingival scaling and root planing by analysis of its clinical aspects, as well as its analgesic potential during the procedure. Background Data: Despite the large number of studies conducted on low-intensity laser energy, few clinical studies are available on periodontics. Materials and Methods: Ten patients were selected and submitted to measurement of six sites per tooth, four teeth per hemiarch (960 sites in all). All patients then received subgingival scaling and root planing. Besides periodontal treatment, the test side was also submitted to laser application. The analysis comprised measurement of probing depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival index. Laser energy was applied at a wavelength of 780 nm (35 J/cm(2), 70 mW, 20 sec per site) for preoperative analgesia, and scaling and root planing were performed with application of laser energy at a wavelength of 780 nm (35 J/cm(2), 70 mW, 20 sec) for analgesia, and at a wavelength of 630 nm (8.8 J/cm(2), 35 mW, 10 sec) for healing. The patients filled out a visual analogue scale to assess the pain they felt during the procedure. After 24 and 48 h, the laser was again applied at the wavelength of 630 nm, and the patients were re-evaluated after 3 d. Results: There was a reduction in gingival inflammation, yet without a statistically significant difference between the study and control sides, both in clinical aspects and evaluation of pain during the procedure. Conclusion: Utilization of the diode laser as an auxiliary in subgingival scaling and root planing did not provide any apparent clinical benefit for teeth with shallow to moderate pockets.