Comparison of periodontal open flap debridement versus closed debridement with Er,Cr:YSGG laser

Background Traditional periodontal open flap debridement ( OFD ) results in reduced pocket depth ( PD ), clinical attachment loss ( CAL ), gingival recession ( GR ) and postoperative pain and discomfort. The quest to overcome these shortcomings has led to research into Er,Cr: YSGG laser assisted pocket therapy ( ELAPT ). This study was designed to compare the clinical outcomes of ELAPT versus OFD . Methods Fifteen patients with a PD of ≥5 mm and ≤8 mm at two sites were selected. Test sites (Group 1) were treated by ELAPT and the control (Group 2) by OFD. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months and included Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), modified Sulcular Bleeding Index ( mSBI ), PD, CAL and GR. Results Both treatments produced a reduction in PI, GI, mSBI and PD, an increase in GR, and a gain in CAL at 3 and 6 months. The mean gain of CAL in Group 1 at 3 and 6 months (1.60 ± 0.78 and 1.80 ± 0.63) was similar (p > 0.05) to the value of Group 2 (1.93 ± 0.88 and 2.00 ± 0.54). GR increased significantly (p < 0.05) only in Group 2 at 3 and 6 months (1.80 ± 0.56 and 1.87 ± 0.64) compared to Group 1 (0.50 ± 0.68 and 0.60 ± 0.74). Conclusions ELAPT compared with OFD results in similar CAL gains with less GR and significant reductions in PD, GI and mSBI , and may be considered as an alternative to surgical therapy.