Effect of Open Flap Debridement with and without LLLT in Patients with Periodontitis on Wound Healing, GCF ALP Levels, and Clinical Parameters.

Abstract

Aim: The tenet of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an adjunct to surgical periodontal therapy [open flap debridement (OFD)] on clinical parameters, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in GCF and wound healing.

Materials and methods: Thirty subjects afflicted with chronic periodontitis showing evidence of horizontal bone loss on the radiograph, pocket probing depth (PPD) between 4 and 7 mm, and ≥20 natural teeth present in the oral cavity were included in the study. In every patient, OFD+LLLT was done in one quadrant and OFD in another was performed. The clinical parameters were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months visits while the GCF sample was collected at baseline visit and 6 months recall. Wound healing indices were recorded 1-week post-op surgery for each group.

Results: The results showed an evident improvement in all the clinical parameters [pocket probing depth, gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and CAL] from baseline-6 months values; however, no statistically significant difference was seen on the intergroup comparison. Wound healing was statistically significantly superior in the OFD + LLLT group in comparison to the OFD group, indicating a positive effect of lasers on healing. Gingival crevicular fluid ALP levels in the two groups decreased after 6 months and a statistically significant reduction in the laser group indicated an anti-inflammatory effect.

Conclusion: The results clearly indicated the efficacy of lasers in terms of acceleration of wound healing and control of inflammation.

Clinical significance: Lasers as an adjunct to surgical periodontal therapy evidently have an anti-inflammatory effect (decrease in GCF ALP levels) as well as accelerate the wound healing process. How to cite this article: Gupta R, Arora SA, Gupta G, et al. Effect of Open Flap Debridement with and without LLLT in Patients with Periodontitis on Wound Healing, GCF ALP Levels, and Clinical Parameters. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(12):1148-1155.