Laser application in periodontics

The use of lasers for treatment has become a common phenomenon in the medical field. Currently, numerous laser systems are available for dental use. The use of lasers for periodontal treatment becomes more complicated because the periodontium consists of both hard and soft tissues. Related articles were gathered and selected carefully and reviewed. Among the many lasers available, high power lasers such as Carbon Dioxide Laser [CO2], Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminium Garnet [Nd:YAG] and diode lasers can be used in periodontics. The use of these lasers is limited to gingivectomy, frenectomy and similar soft tissue procedures including the removal of melanin pigmentation of gingiva. Recently, Erbium: Yttrium Aluminium Garnet[Er:YAG] and Erbium, Chromium doped Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet [Er,Cr:YSGG] lasers are used for scaling, root debridement, cutting, shaving, contouring and resection of oral osseous tissues. In addition to their surgical applications, low-level lasers such as Er:YAG laser irradiation promotes osteoblast proliferation showing higher and favorable bone tissue regeneration. These findings suggest faster bone tissue healing following periodontal and peri-implant low level laser therapy. Advantages of laser treatment in periodontics are effective and efficient soft and hard tissue ablation with a greater hemostasis, bactericidal effect, minimal wound contraction, faster bone tissue healing, minimal collateral damages along with reduced use of local analgesia

Subepithelial connective tissue graft with and without the use of plasma rich in growth factors for treating root exposure

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of the subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) with and without plasma rich in growth factor (PRGF) in the treatment of gingival recessions. METHODS: Twenty bilateral buccal gingival Miller's Class I and II recessions were selected. Ten of the recessions were treated with SCTG and PRGF (test group). The rest ten of the recessions were treated with SCTG (control group). The clinical parameters including recession depth (RD), percentage of root coverage (RC), mucogingival junction (MGJ) position, clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing depth (PD) were measured at the baseline, and 1 and 3 months later. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: After 3 months, both groups showed a significant improvement in all of the mentioned criteria except PD. Although the amount of improvement was better in the SCTG+PRGF group than the SCTG only group, this difference was not statistically significant. The mean RC was 70.85+/-12.57 in the test group and 75.83+/-24.68 in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both SCTG+PRGF and SCTG only result in favorable clinical outcomes, but the added benefit of PRGF is not evident.