Effectiveness of diode lasers in the reduction of bacteremia associated with ultrasonic scaling: A clinical and microbiological study

Abstract

Introduction: As is known, periodontal pathogens and their products as well as inflammatory mediators produced in periodontal tissues might enter the bloodstream, causing systemic effects and/or contributing to systemic diseases. Aim: To evaluate the effect of diode lasers on the incidence of bacteremia associated with ultrasonic scaling and its clinical efficacy as an adjunct to scaling in the treatment of moderate periodontitis. Result: The use of diode laser is more effective in killing or detoxifying periodontopathic bacteria such as P. gingivalis associated with chronic periodontitis as compared to ultrasonic alone with ablate bacteria only when it comes in contact with plaque biofilm directly. Conclusion: The results of study confirm the previously reported findings that bacteremia is caused by ultrasonic scaling and adjunct use of diode laser with scaling has the potential to reduce the bacteremia associated with ultrasonic scaling alone.

Keywords

• laser therapy
• periodontitis
• scaling