ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy of use of a diode laser (DL) (810 nm) as an adjunct to modified Widman flap (MWF) surgery to that of MWF alone. Materials and Methods: Twenty‑five patients between the ages of 20 and 50 years with generalized chronic periodontitis were selected for the study. Control sites (Group A) were randomly selected to receive an MWF, and the contralateral test sites (Group B) received MWF in conjunction with low‑level laser therapy. The energy density of 4 J/cm2 was applied to the gingival surface after periodontal treatment. The study tooth/site was treated along with any additional teeth in the quadrant in which the site was located if needed. Randomization was done using a coin flip. The DL was used to de‑epithelialize the inner part of the periodontal flap and photo‑biostimulate the surgical area. Plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) scores were recorded at baseline and at 6 and 9 months. Statistical Analysis: Data were expressed as the mean ± standard deviation. Statistical analyzes were performed using paired Student’s t‑test for intragroup comparisons and unpaired Student’s t‑test for intergroup comparisons. Results: No significant difference was observed in PI scores between the two groups at baseline, 6 and 9 months. PBI scores were significantly lower in Group B versus Group A at 6 months (P < 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in PBI scores at the end of 9 months. PD reduction in Group B versus Group A was statistically significant at the end of 9 months (P < 0.01). Gains in CAL were significantly greater in Group B versus Group A at 6 and 9 months. Conclusion: The use of an 810 nm DL provided additional benefits to MWF surgery in terms of clinical parameters.
ABSTRACT
Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is a rare developmental anomaly involving both mesodermal and ectodermal dental components in a group of contiguous teeth. It affects the primary and permanent dentitions in the maxilla and mandible or both jaws. Generally it is localized in only one arch. Clinically, affected teeth have an abnormal morphology, are soft on probing and typically discolored, yellow or yellowish-brown. Radiographically, the affected teeth show a “ghostlike” appearance. This paper reports the case of an 11-year-old girl presenting this rare anomaly on the right side of the maxillary arch. The primary maxillary right central, the lateral and the canine were found missing. The permanent teeth had a “ghostlike” appearance radio graphically. The treatment performed was rehabilitation with temporary partial acrylic denture and periodic controls. The presentation of this case adds valuable information to dentists to review special clinical and radiographic features of RO, which will facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of patients with this condition. Since the etiology of this dental anomaly is uncertain, a review of its probable etiologic factors is summarized to get a better understanding of its cause of occurrence.