AIM

The current study evaluates the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in intra-bony defect regeneration, by comparing the clinical, radiographic and molecular parameters between periodontitis patients with intra-bony defects treated with simplified papilla preservation flap(SPPF) alone and SPPF with adjunctive use of LLLT.

METHODOLOGY

The current study is a randomized controlled clinical trial involving 64 sites, 32 sites treated with SPPF- control group and 32 sites treated with SPPF and adjunctive use of LLLT(SPPF + LLLT)- test group. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 6 months and 1 year post surgery. Radiographic defect depths were evaluated at baseline and 1 year post surgery. Molecular parameters- RUNX2, BMP-2, osteopontin and COL-1 are evaluated at 3, 7 and 14 days. The results were statistically analysed.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant reduction in clinical parameters and radiographic defect depth seen in test group at the 6 months and one year post surgery when compared with control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the total number of sites with probing pocket depth more than 4 mm has reduced significantly in test group when compared to control group at 6 months and one year. RUNX2, BMP-2 and COL - 1 were significantly elevated in test group.

CONCLUSION

The current study reports a significant improvement of clinical, radiographic and molecular parameters of intra-bony defect sites in periodontitis patients treated with SPPF + LLLT when compared to SPPF alone.