Laser Assisted (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG) Minimally Invasive Peri-Odontal Surgery in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects-A 12-Month Observational Randomized Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of our study was to assess changes in the clinical and radiological parameters after modified minimally invasive surgical technique (M-MIST) in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with additional Er:YAG and Nd:YAG laser applications. Methods: Thirty-eight patients, each presenting with a single vertical defect, were randomly assigned to either the test (M-MIST+Er:YAG+Nd:YAG) or the control group (M-MIST). Probing depth (PD) reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (primary outcomes of the study) were assessed prior to therapy and after 12 months following the surgical procedure. Results: Both methods led to statistically significant improvements in clinical (PD reduction and CAL gain) and radiological parameters. No statistical differences were observed between the groups at any time point assessed. At 12 months postoperatively, radiographic defect depth reduction was very similar in both groups. The radiographic defect width decrease was more pronounced in the control group. Conclusions: Results indicate that use of Er:YAG and Nd:YAG lasers combined with the M-MIST procedure and the conventional M-MIST procedure provides comparable clinical and radiological treatment outcomes.