Erbium-doped: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) versus scaling and root planing for the treatment of periodontal disease: A single-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized, controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the differences in periodontal clinical outcomes, duration of the procedure, and patient's experience between conventional scaling and root planing and erbium-doped: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) in the treatment of generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis or generalized Stages II or III, and Grade B periodontitis based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), and European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) definitions.

METHODS: Thirty subjects were initially recruited. In a split-mouth fashion, right and left sides were randomly allocated into two treatment arms: conventional scaling and root planing (C-SRP) versus laser-assisted scaling and root planing (L-SRP). A blinded examiner recorded clinical measurements at baseline and 3 months. Duration of the procedure was also recorded for each visit, and the patient's experience was assessed with a questionnaire at baseline, 1, and 3 months.

RESULTS: The final sample consisted of 26 subjects. Both treatments resulted in overall improvement, but no significant differences were found between modalities for clinical attachment gain or probing depth reduction. The duration of the procedure was approximately half for L-SRP, and postoperative sensitivity was greater in C-SRP.

CONCLUSIONS: The low-energy protocol with Er:YAG (50 mJ) used for the non-surgical treatment of moderate-severe chronic or Stage II-III, Grade B periodontitis performed in this study population was a treatment modality that yielded similar clinical improvements when compared to conventional scaling and root planing.