Periodontal Bone Regeneration and the Er,Cr:YSGG Laser: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Traditional methods of regenerating bone in periodontal bone defects have been partially successful and have involved numerous protocols and materials. More recently, it has been proposed that Er,Cr:YSGG laser energy may also be beneficial in the treatment of periodontal pockets, particularly in the regeneration of bone lost due to periodontal disease. CASE DESCRIPTION The purpose of this paper is to present a case report of the Er,Cr:YSGG laser being used to conservatively treat a recalcitrant periodontal pocket in the presence of a periodontal bone defect and that resulted in successful resolution of the pocket and significant radiographic bone fill at the 1 year recall visit. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS This protocol using the Er,Cr:YSGG laser for the treatment of periodontal loss of attachment and periodontal bone loss may represent a less invasive alternative than traditional open-flap periodontal surgery or the intrasulcular use of other more penetrating laser wavelengths.