A 5-year comparative study on conventional and laser assisted therapy of periimplantitis and periodontitis

Numerous groups have recommended the use ofthe diode laser to decontaminate infected root and implant surfaces. The aim ofthis study was to show the outcome after laser assisted and conventional therapy ofperiimplantitis and periodontitis administering approved treatment protocols. Between 1994 and 1999 a total of5O patients with periimplantitis (20 ) and periodontitis (30) were treated in two groups each. Clinical, microbiological and radiographic evaluation was performed before and 6, 12, 24,36,48 and 6Omonths after treatment. In addition to the conventional treatment protocol, flap surgery, the tooth or implant surface was decontaminated with a 8lOnm diode laser using I Watt output for 2Osec (CW mode). All accessible surfaces were decontaminated at the follow up dates. In the periimplantitis group recurrence ofthe marker bacteria was higher and faster over time for the conventionally operated patients. Also the clinical and radiographic reevaluation showed significantly better results. The laser group ofthe periodontitis patients also showed significantly better outcome in terms ofclinical evaluation, microbiological counts, radiographic evaluation and tooth loss. Lu comparison to other long term studies our results for the conventional therapy were adequate, the laser assisted therapy brought up significantly better and reproducible results.