Effect of 940 nm Diode Laser as Adjunct Treatment to Mechanical Instrumentation on Root Surface Gingival Fibroblast Adhesion in Periodontally Compromised Extracted Teeth : An in vitro Study

Introduction: Mechanical debridement of diseased root surfaces produces a smear layer that encompass microorganisms and residual cementum which may interfere with periodontal healing and regeneration of connective tissue attachment. Accordingly, this study aimed to determine impact of 940nm diode laser on adhesion of fibroblasts to root surface of extracted teeth from patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Twenty extracted single-rooted teeth with hopeless prognosis were collected and debrided with hand curettes. Afterward, two specimens were obtained from each tooth by splitting them with a sterile diamond disk. Samples were submerged in fibroblast suspension and randomly divided into two groups. Group A comprised of 20 specimens subjected to scaling and root planing only and group B included 20 specimens which received SRP and and 940 nm diode laser irradiation. The adhesion of fibroblasts was investigated by MTT and cell morphology was assessed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The extent of adhesion was higher in group B compared with group A, though this difference was not statistically significant. In the laser group, fibroblast cells showed more elongated morphology and a smaller number of rounded forms was found. But no significant difference was observed between the two groups. Conclusion: A diode laser with a wavelength of 940 nm has a negligible effect on adhesion of fibroblasts to the root surface of teeth extracted because of chronic periodontitis