Use of diode laser for volume reduction of edematous gingival tissue treated with causal therapy: evaluation of clinical efficacy

Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two different techniques for the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis, specifically investigating whether laser-assisted causal therapy resolves gingival edema more quickly than traditional causal therapy alone.

Materials and Methods This study involved 34 patients aged between 20 and 60 years. Initially, all patients underwent a PSR to exclude those with periodontitis. Clinical parameters were recorded, and a baseline scan was performed. Patients rinsed with 0.20% CHX before receiving a professional oral hygiene session. A split-mouth protocol was used, with each patient receiving both experimental therapy (causal therapy plus diode laser) and control therapy (traditional causal therapy) on different hemi-arches, determined by randomization. Patients were instructed on proper oral hygiene techniques to perform at home. Follow-up scans and clinical assessments were conducted at 7- and 14-days post-treatment. The data were analyzed in a double-blind manner.

Results Analysis of gingival-periodontal health parameters and the volumetric values of treated areas revealed no statistically significant differences between the regions treated with diode laser adjunctive therapy and those treated with traditional causal therapy alone.

Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, diode laser therapy does not appear to facilitate a faster resolution of gingival edema caused by gingivitis compared to traditional therapy. Both treatment methods effectively reduced inflammation, but the addition of diode laser did not significantly enhance outcomes.