Efficiency of using the diode laser in the treatment of periodontal inflammatory diseases

The aim: To study clinical efficiency of using the diode laser in the treatment of chronic catarrhal and hypertrophic gingivitis.

Materials and methods: Treatment of 32 patients with chronic catarrhal gingivitis and 30 patients with hypertrophic gingivitis by basic therapy according to the protocols of dental care was carried out. The patients of the main groups were additionally subjected to laser irradiation of the affected areas of the gums with a diode laser.

Results: The use of laser therapy in the treatment of chronic catarrhal gingivitis contributed to the pain relief, reducing of bleeding and edema of the gums in 68.8% of patients on the 3rd day of observation. On the 7th day, 93.8% of the examined patients had no inflammation in periodontal tissues. During treatment of hypertrophic gingivitis, anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects, improvements in the aesthetic appearance of the gums were revealed in 33.3% patients on the 3rd day of the examination; absence of inflammation, gingival bleeding and gum hypertrophy was diagnosed in 53.3% on the 7th day and in 80.0% patients on 14th day of follow-up. In the control group, similar changes were revealed only in 68.8% patients with catarrhal gingivitis and in 46.7% patients with hypertrophic gingivitis after complete course of drug treatment in 14 days of observation.

Conclusions: The use of a diode laser in patients with chronic gingivitis has provided a reduction in the term required for the complete elimination of the inflammatory process and suspended its further progression.