Effect of diode laser on periodontally involved root surfaces: An in vitro environmental scanning electron microscope study

Context: Diode laser has been used as adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis. However, inadvertent effect of diode laser on root surface needs more evaluation. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the structural and compositional changes in extracted human permanent teeth following scaling, root planing, and diode laser (980 nm) application in noncontact mode. Settings and Design: This was an in vitro environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) study. Materials and Methods: Thirty single rooted periodontally involved teeth indicated for extraction were selected and divided into two groups. In Group 1, 15 teeth were treated with scaling and root planing followed by diode laser application in noncontact mode (2 W, 30 s) and in Group 2, 15 teeth were treated with scaling and root planing alone. An ESEM was used to examine the cemental surface. Compositional changes were assessed using EDAX software. Statistical Analysis Used: The statistical comparison of compositional changes and root surface alterations in two groups was carried out using independent sample t-test and Chi-square test, respectively. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: About 53.3% of teeth in Group 1 showed mild surface changes (Score 4) as compared to only 13.3% of teeth in Group 2. The results were statistically significant ( P - 0.001). This study also reveals a significant amount of compositional changes in Group 1 as compared with Group 2. Mass % of carbon and oxygen is significantly increased in Group 1 as compared with Group 2. Conclusions: In this study, mild root surface alterations were seen in the form of cracks and charring after diode laser application in noncontact mode.