Histological evaluation of the use of diode laser as an adjunct to traditional periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe in vivo effects of scaling and root planing associated with 980-nm diode laser irradiation on periodontally diseased root surfaces. BACKGROUND DATA Rapid advances in the development of laser technologies used in dental offices demand careful evaluation of the respective histopathologic effects of each new system. There have been no reports of scaling and root planing associated with 980-nm diode laser effects on root surfaces after in vivo application. METHODS Single rooted teeth and multiple rooted teeth considered for extraction due to severe periodontal disease were included in the study. For light microscopic investigation, a resin-embedding technique was used to cut the undecalcified teeth into 30-microm-thick cross-sections and stained. The following parameters were recorded by a blind examiner: remaining debris, root surface morphology, and thermal side effects. RESULTS Root surfaces instrumented with hand instruments and diode laser in vivo did not show detectable surface alterations. There were no signs of thermal side effects in any of the teeth treated. CONCLUSION The present in vivo study showed that associated therapy was suitable for non-surgical periodontal treatment. The results suggest that the diode laser may be routinely used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing without damage to the cementum tissue.