title: Modulatory effects by neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser on fibroblast attachment to single rooted tooth surfaces following ultrasonic scaling and root planning: An in vitro study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  One of the most important goals of periodontal therapy is connective tissue reattachment to previously diseased root surfaces. In the recent years, laser therapy has been considered as an important tool in improving the treatment of periodontal disease.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd: YAG) lasers effects on root surfaces affected by periodontal disease and compare this treatment with scaling and root planning (SRP) in terms of fibroblast attachment.
  
  
  METHODS
  A sample of 30 single-rooted human teeth extracted because of advanced periodontal disease was used in this study. Sixty specimens obtained by longitudinal sectioning were randomly divided in three groups. Group A control (untreated); Group B SRP; Group C laser (Nd: YAG) and ultrasonic scaling. All specimens were incubated with fibroblast suspension and then fixed and observed under scanning electron microscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  With a median of 8, the control group (Group A) exhibited the least number of total fibroblasts among all the three groups. The laser and scaling - treated group (Group C) showed the highest number of fibroblasts (median = 49, mean ± standard deviation [SD] = 48.28 ± 17.18), followed by SRP only (Group B, median = 22, mean ± SD = 22.24 ± 8.67).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nd: YAG laser irradiation at specific energy densities can be used as a useful tool to condition the root surfaces, enhancing fibroblast attachment. Hence aiding in re-establishment of the connective tissue attachment to the root surfaces of previously diseased teeth.
authors: Department of Periodontics, Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Shanta
authors: S
authors: Negi
authors: Department of Periodontics, Tamil Nadu Government Dental College and Hospital, Affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
authors: Malathi
authors: M
authors: Krishnamurthy
authors: Department of Periodontics, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi (Meghe), Affiliated to Datta Meghe University of Medical Sciences, Nagpur (Deemed University), Nagpur, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Kiran Kumar
authors: KK
authors: Ganji
authors: Department of Periodontics, Sharad Pawar Dental College, Sawangi (Meghe), Affiliated to Datta Meghe University of Medical Sciences, Nagpur (Deemed University), Nagpur, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
authors: Sunil
authors: S
authors: Pendor
keywords: Fibroblast; neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser; root surface