Effect of the carbon dioxide laser on the clinical parameters and crevicular IL-1beta when used as an adjunct to gingival flap surgery.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated the effect of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment on the clinical parameters and crevicular Interleukin-1 (IL-1beta) levels when used in combination with gingival flap surgery.

METHODS

Twelve patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis were selected for this study. Three quadrants in each patient were randomly assigned to one of the following study groups: 1) flap surgery only as the (control); 2) flap surgery and laser treatment using an energy level of 0.8 W as (group 1); 3) flap surgery and laser treatment using an energy level of 0.5 W as (group 2). The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected at the baseline and biweekly for 6 weeks and the amount of IL-1beta concentration in the sulcular fluid was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The clinical parameters such as the probing pocket depth, the clinical attachment level, the gingival recession and the bleeding on probing were recorded at the baseline, 3, 6 months.

RESULTS

Marked reductions of the bleeding on probing, the probing pocket depth, the clinical attachment level and a reduction in the crevicular IL-1beta concentration were found in all groups. However, the differences between the groups in terms of bleeding on probing and the probing pocket depth were not significant (p<0.05). The clinical attachment level and the crevicular IL-1beta level were significantly lower in group 1 (0.8 W) than in the control (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The additional use of a carbon dioxide laser on the root surface during gingival flap surgery may enhance the clinical attachment and reduce the crevicular IL-1beta concentration.