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

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.