Periodontal tissue healing following flap surgery using an Er:YAG laser in dogs

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare periodontal tissue healing following flap surgery using an Er:YAG laser with that of conventional surgery. Study Design/Materials and Methods: Bilateral pre-molars with experimentally induced periodontitis in six dogs were treated by periodontal flap surgery. Degranulation and root debridement in the furcation were performed using an Er:YAG laser or curet. At 3 months postsurgery, animals were sacrificed and decalcified specimens were prepared for histological and histometric analysis. Results: Degranulation and root debridement were effectively performed with an Er:YAG laser without major thermal damage and significantly faster than with a curet. Histologically, the amount of newly formed bone was significantly greater in the laser group than in the curet group, although both groups showed similar amounts of cementum formation and connective tissue attachment. Conclusions: The Er:YAG laser irradiation can be safely and effectively utilized in periodontal flap surgery, and has the potential to promote new bone formation.