RESUMEN
Objective@#The present study investigated the role of a diode laser in the treatment of fistula chronic periapical periodontitis in elderly people. @*Methods @#A total of 114 cases of fistula chronic periapical periodontitis in the elderly were randomly divided into an experimental group and control group. In the experimental group, a diode laser was used to disinfect the root canal and the internal wall of the fistula after root canal preparation, and Vitapex paste was used in both groups for root canal disinfection. The control group was treated with conventional root canal therapy without laser treatment. The fistula healing rate was calculated, and root canal filling was performed in both groups two weeks later if the fistula was healed. A curative effect was observed at 3 months and 12 months.@*Results @#The fistula healing rate was 90.0% in the experimental group and 75.8% in the control group after 2 weeks. There was a significant difference between the two groups at 2 weeks (χ2 = 4.19, P < 0.05) but not at 3 months and 12 months (P > 0.05). @*Conclusion @#The use of a diode laser to disinfect the root canal and fistula of teeth in the elderly with fistula periapical periodontitis can significantly shorten the healing time of fistula.