title: Minimally Invasive Treatment of Infrabony Periodontal Defects Using Dual-Wavelength Laser Therapy.
abstract: Introduction. Surgical management of infrabony defects is an invasive procedure, frequently requiring the use of adjunctive material such as grafts or biologics, which is time-consuming and associated with expense and morbidity to the patient. Lasers in periodontal regeneration have been reported in the literature, with each wavelength having potential benefits through different laser-tissue interactions. The purpose of this case series was to assess the efficacy of a new dual-wavelength protocol in the management of infrabony defects. Materials and Methods. 32 defects (one in each patient) were treated using ultrasonic debridement, followed by flapless application of Erbium, Chromium:Yttrium, Scandium, Gallium, Garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser (wavelength 2780 nm), and final application of diode laser (wavelength 940 nm). Pocket depths (PD) were measured after 6 months and repeat radiographs taken after one year. Results. The mean baseline PD was 8.8 mm (range 6-15 mm) and 6 months later was 2.4 mm (range 2-4 mm), with mean PD reduction being 6.4 ± 1.7 mm (range 3-12 mm). There was a significant gain in relative linear bone height (apical extent of bone), with mean percentage bone fill of 39.7 ± 41.2% and 53% of sites showing at least 40% infill of bone. Conclusion. The results compare favourably with traditional surgery and require further validation through randomised clinical controlled trials.
authors.affiliation: Al-FaPerio Clinic, 48A Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex IG9 5BY, UK.
authors.forename: Rana
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1757-4970
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Al-Falaki
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 21, Tower Wing Guys Hospital, London SE 1 9RT, UK.
authors.forename: Francis J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontology, King's College London Dental Institute, Floor 21, Tower Wing Guys Hospital, London SE 1 9RT, UK.
authors.forename: Reena
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wadia