Comparison of the antibacterial efficacy of 810 nm diode laser and photodynamic therapy in reducing microbial flora in patients with peri-implant mucositis - An in vivo study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the antimicrobial effects of an 810-nanometer diode laser, utilizing or not utilizing toluidine blue as a photosensitizer, in the management of peri-implant mucositis.

Settings and design: The present study was carried out in 30 implant sites in 15 patients with peri-implant mucositis with a specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. 15 sites were treated utilizing a diode laser (control group) and 15 with photodynamic therapy (test group) in a split-mouth format.

Materials and methods: Samples were taken from the gingival sulcus with the help of plastic curettes from control and test sites both at baseline and at 3 months for microbiological analysis.

Statistical analysis used: Shapiro-Wilk Test was used to check deviation from normality. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse the two dependent groups.

Results: Intragroup comparison was found to be statistically significant when compared at baseline and at 3 months in the photodynamic (P = 0.001) and diode laser groups (P = 0.001), respectively. No statistically significant reduction in bacterial count was found at baseline (P = 0.1) and at 3 months (P = 0.5) when the diode laser group and photodynamic group were compared with each other (intergroup).

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that there is a definitive reduction in pathogenic bacteria with both interventions and PDT offers clinically visible benefits in the treatment of peri-implant mucositis.