ArF-193 excimer laser and Emdogain in the treatment of experimental periodontitis: an experimental study in rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to investigate how the progress made on laser technology during the last ten years could overcome this obstacle and allow the use of lasers in periodontology, together with the application of a number of products permitting the regeneration of periodontal tissues.


BACKGROUND
The use of lasers in dentistry remains controversial, in spite of their increasing application in medical practice. The main reason for this discrepancy is the frequent report of damage to surrounding tissues and the dental pulp, due to the energy transfer, from the site of laser impact.


METHODS
Experimental periodontitis was initiated in fifteen rabbits. Animals were divided into five equal groups. In the control group, no therapy was applied. The remaining four groups were treated with curettage or ArF 193 excimer laser, under conditions of strict control of frequency, fluency, and application, without or with the application of a periodontal healing product (Emdogain). Laser was applied by the use of a new, articulated arm for beam delivery. Pocket depth and microscopic analysis were performed three weeks after treatment.


RESULTS
Our results show that all treatment groups decreased pocket depth significantly. ArF193 excimer laser does not produce any histological damage to the dental pulp, and facilitates periodontal regeneration. This result is highly facilitated by the application of Emdogain).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of UV lasers, under a tight control of its energy, may be a valuable tool for the treatment of periodontal diseases, especially combined with the use of healing products. Further study is need to confirm these results.
Nikolopoulos
Symeon
S
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Crete, School of Medicine, 30-32 Dedalou Street, GR-71202 Heraklion, Greece. fixture@med.uoc.gr
Naoumidou
Irene
I
Nikolopoulou
Maria
M
Helidonis
Emmanuel
E
Castanas
Elias
E
D000818:Animals; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004871:Erbium; D005260:Female; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D010519:Periodontium / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011336:Probability; D011817:Rabbits; D012016:Reference Values; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013357:Subgingival Curettage / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins; C109069:enamel matrix proteins; D004871:Erbium