title: Comparison of periodontal open flap debridement versus closed debridement with Er,Cr:YSGG laser.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Traditional periodontal open flap debridement (OFD) results in reduced pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR) and postoperative pain and discomfort. The quest to overcome these shortcomings has led to research into Er,Cr:YSGG laser assisted pocket therapy (ELAPT). This study was designed to compare the clinical outcomes of ELAPT versus OFD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients with a PD of ≥5 mm and ≤8 mm at two sites were selected. Test sites (Group 1) were treated by ELAPT and the control (Group 2) by OFD. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months and included Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), modified Sulcular Bleeding Index (mSBI), PD, CAL and GR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Both treatments produced a reduction in PI, GI, mSBI and PD, an increase in GR, and a gain in CAL at 3 and 6 months. The mean gain of CAL in Group 1 at 3 and 6 months (1.60 ± 0.78 and 1.80 ± 0.63) was similar (p > 0.05) to the value of Group 2 (1.93 ± 0.88 and 2.00 ± 0.54). GR increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in Group 2 at 3 and 6 months (1.80 ± 0.56 and 1.87 ± 0.64) compared to Group 1 (0.50 ± 0.68 and 0.60 ± 0.74).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ELAPT compared with OFD results in similar CAL gains with less GR and significant reductions in PD, GI and mSBI, and may be considered as an alternative to surgical therapy.
authors: Department of Periodontics, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi, India. manak.gupta@gmail.com
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Gupta
authors: A K
authors: AK
authors: Lamba
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Verma
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Faraz
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Tandon
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Chawla
authors: D K
authors: DK
authors: Koli
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000517:prevention & control; D003646:Debridement / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000517:prevention & control; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D055815:Young Adult