Do lasers added to scaling/root planing improve periodontal outcomes?

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Summary:
TRAC studies (Clinicians Report. January 2015;8(1):1-3) did not confirm five frequent claims of superiority for lasers used after scaling and root planning in treatment of periodontitis. SRP alone was either the same or superior to SRP + Laser EXCEPT the CO₂ Laser in 6mm pockets showed pocket depth improvement at one year that was statistically better than SRP alone. For now it appears lasers are not the “Magic Bullet” claimed for periodontitis treatment and definitely cannot be justified for pocket sterilization after SRP.

Specific claims examined (and answers) were:

1. Dental Laser use results in pocket depth improvements better than SRP alone (no – except CO₂ laser in 6 mm pockets)
2. Dental Laser use after SRP sterilizes the pockets (no)
3. Dental Laser use resolves bleeding and suppuration on probing better than SRP alone (no)
4. Dental Laser Treated patients often do not require anesthetic and experience less post-op pain (no)
5. Post-Op laser biostimulation speeds healing and increases bone regeneration (no)

View the full article on www.cliniciansreport.org