Comparative Evaluation of a 940-nm Diode Laser and Conventional Therapy in Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis

Chronic periodontitis is highly prevalent among smokers, and its management is often complicated by impaired healing and increased inflammation. This study investigated the efficacy of a 940-nm diode laser as a supplement to scaling and root planing (SRP) compared to SRP alone in smokers with chronic periodontitis.

This randomized controlled clinical trial included 80 smokers with chronic periodontitis. Participants were randomly allocated to either the laser group (SRP plus 940-nm diode laser) or the control group (SRP alone). Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were recorded at baseline, three months, and six months posttreatment.

The groups showed significant improvements in all clinical parameters at three and six months. However, the laser group demonstrated statistically significantly greater reductions in PD (2.1 mm vs. 1.6 mm at three months, P = 0.02; 2.4 mm vs. 1.8 mm at six months, P = 0.01) and CAL (2.3 mm vs. 1.7 mm at three months, P = 0.03; 2.6 mm vs. 1.9 mm at six months, P = 0.008) compared to the control group. Furthermore, the laser group exhibited a higher percentage of BOP reduction at both follow-up periods (85% vs. 70% at three months, P = 0.04; 88% vs. 73% at six months, P = 0.02).

Adjunctive use of a 940-nm diode laser with SRP provides a significant clinical advantage over SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers. This approach may lead to magnify treatment outcomes and improved long-term periodontal health in this challenging population.