Twelve-Month Follow-Up After the Treatment of Periodontal Conditions Using Scaling and Root Planning Alone vs. Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure

TL;DR

This study compares two treatments for periodontitis, finding that laser therapy (LANAP) provides better long-term results than traditional scaling and root planing (SRP).

Contribution

The study provides a 12-month comparative analysis of LANAP and SRP for periodontal treatment, highlighting LANAP's superior long-term efficacy.

Findings

LANAP leads to greater reduction in pocket depth and improved periodontal health compared to SRP.

LANAP shows more stability in maintaining improvements over one year compared to SRP.

Both treatments improve periodontal health, but LANAP is more effective for chronic periodontal disease.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium that induces damage in the periodontal ligaments and the surrounding alveolar bone. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the clinical outcomes of two therapies used in the management of periodontal conditions, represented by scaling and root planing (SRP) alone and laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP). Methods: Two quadrants of the oral cavity from each selected patient were randomly allocated to one of the treatment groups, SRP or LANAP. The periodontal status was documented in a periodontal chart at baseline, six weeks, and one year after treatment. SRP was performed in the first group of patients. The LANAP protocol was carried out on the patients belonging to the second group. Results: The outcomes of the study highlighted that LANAP leads to a reduction in periodontal disease signs (pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and gingival recession), contributing to the formation of new attachment tissues. LANAP shows more stability in maintaining the improvements achieved during six weeks, while SRP shows a slight deterioration in several parameters, particularly attachment loss, between six weeks and one year. The collected data at six-week and one-year follow-ups show improvements in periodontal health, thus improving oral health. Conclusions: Both minimally invasive periodontal procedures were effective, with LANAP demonstrating greater efficiency in patients with chronic periodontal disease, a greater reduction in pocket depth, and improved clinical outcomes compared to SRP alone.

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