title: Comparative Evaluation of Er:Cr:YSGG, Diode Laser and Alvogyl in the Management of Alveolar Osteitis: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a well-known complication following tooth extraction. Plethora of literature is available regarding its treatment modalities signifying that none of the treatment is as effective as any another treatment. LASER on the other hand, has been used to promote soft tissue healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  In order to evaluate the effects of laser on healing of AO we undertook a randomized clinical trial. In the trial, sixty patients diagnosed with AO were randomly divided into three groups viz: alvogyl, diode laser and Er:Cr:YSGG laser (erbium chromium yttrium scandium gallium garnet).
  
  
  RESULTS
  On analyzing the results, diode laser at 1.0 W power settings (energy: 20-25 J/cm2) in non-contact, continuous mode was found to be the most effective for both pain relief and healing improvement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The diode laser is an acceptable and effective non-dressing treatment modality for alveolar osteitis, which is the most common painful complication following extraction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, BSZ Marg, New Delhi, 110002 India.
authors.forename: Amita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rani
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, BSZ Marg, New Delhi, 110002 India.
authors.forename: Sujata
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mohanty
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, BSZ Marg, New Delhi, 110002 India.
authors.forename: Pankaj
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, BSZ Marg, New Delhi, 110002 India.
authors.forename: Jitender
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dabas
keywords: Alveolar osteitis; Alvogyl; Erbium chromium yttrium scandium gallium garnet laser; Low level laser therapy