title: Effect of the diode laser on bacteremia associated with dental ultrasonic scaling: a clinical and microbiological study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential use of diode lasers (DLs) to reduce bacteremia associated with ultrasonic scaling (US). Furthermore, the clinical efficacy of DLs as an adjunct to US in the treatment of gingivitis was investigated.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Recently, lasers have found new applications in dental practice. The benefits of the use of DLs as an adjunct to US have not yet been determined.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-two gingivitis patients were treated using a split-mouth study design in which each side was randomly treated by US alone or DL followed by US (DL + US). Blood samples were drawn just before and during US in each treatment step to detect induced bacteremia. Clinical parameters including plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, probing depth, and relative attachment level were recorded at baseline and 4 weeks postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bacteremia was detected in 15 patients (68%) after US alone, and in 8 patients following DL + US (36%). The reduction of the incidence of odontogenic bacteremia during US after the application of DL was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Clinical signs improved eventually, with no significant differences between the two treatment regimens (p > 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Application of DL energy can reduce bacteria in gingival crevices which may reduce bacteremia following US. The use of DL did not show additional clinical influence on gingival healing after treatment of gingivitis with US.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, Al-Quds University, Jerusalem., Faculty of Dentistry, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey. mmassaf@gmail.com
authors.forename: Mohammad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Assaf
authors.forename: Selcuk
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yilmaz
authors.forename: Bahar
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kuru
authors.forename: Sebnem Dirikan
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Ipci
authors.forename: Ulku
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Noyun
authors.forename: Tanju
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kadir
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016745:Root Planing / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects