Lasers and the Treatment of Periodontitis

What is it about?

The dental literature contains 25 years of accumulated reports and clinical studies addressing the use of lasers as a monotherapy or in an adjunctive capacity for the treatment of periodontitis. Yet, the evidence from the 118 human clinical studies cited in this review remains conflicted and insufficient to suggest that integration of a laser in the treatment protocol provides antimicrobial and healing outcomes superior to those obtained by traditional periodontal therapy. Depending on the type of laser, the cost of purchase and training can be a significant investment for clinicians. Additionally, the progressively increasing cost of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (regardless of whether this is delivered by a general dentist or a periodontist) can be a significant investment for patients. The ambiguous results of laser periodontal therapy, as noted in this and other similar reviews, when combined with the financial considerations, makes it questionable as to whether current evidence is sufficient to support the routine use of any laser for treatment of periodontitis.

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Why is it important?

The cost:benefit for the patient appears to be minimal. Yet, lasers are commonly used for the treatment of periodontitis, either as a monotherapy or an adjunct to traditional therapy. In either case, the evidence is week and does not justify the patient cost for the minimal return on results.