Short-term results of the combined application of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of periodontal disease: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers have been previously used as an adjunct in periodontal therapy. The aim of this single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation in periodontal treatment. Materials and methods Twenty-two patients with at least one site of >= 6 mm periodontal probing depth (PPD) after mechanical debridement with curettes and sonic instruments at periodontal reevaluation were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to either a combined Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy (test group) or a "turned off" laser therapy (control group). The Nd:YAG laser was used for periodontal pocket deepithelialization and to stabilize the resulting blood clot. The Er:YAG laser was primarily used for root surface modification. PPD (mm), clinical attachment level (CAL, mm), and bleeding on probing (BOP, +/-) at the site of laser treatment were evaluated at baseline and 2 months after treatment. Results The mean improvements from baseline to 2-month follow-up for PPD were significantly better in the laser group (2.05 +/- 0.82 mm) compared to the control group (0.64 +/- 0.90 mm; p = 0.001). Likewise, the gain in CAL was significantly better in the laser group (1.50 +/- 1.10 mm) than in the control group (0.55 +/- 1.01mm; p = 0.046). Conclusions The combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical therapy showed a significant beneficial effect on periodontal treatment results. Clinical trial registration ISRCTN registry #ISRCTN32132076