RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Periodontal wound healing has been accelerated by different low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocols. However, just a few studies have evaluated use of this therapy adjunctive to periodontal plastic surgery procedures. The present study shows 2-year results of a connective tissue graft (CTG) associated with LLLT in the treatment of gingival recession (GR) defects. METHODS: Forty patients presenting Miller Class I and II GRs were previously treated by CTG (control group; n = 20) or CTG + LLLT (test group; n = 20). A diode laser (aluminum-gallium-arsenide, 660 nm) was applied to test sites immediately after surgery and every other day for 14 days (total of eight applications). After a follow-up of 2 years, clinical and esthetic evaluations were performed in 36 patients. RESULTS: Mean percentage of root coverage was 93.43% for the test group and 92.32% for the control group (P = 0.55). Complete root coverage was 79% (n = 15) for the test group and 76% (n = 13) for the control group (n = 13) (P = 0.80). Both groups showed esthetics maintenance after 2 years. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, results indicate that LLLT showed no additional benefit in the long term when associated with a CTG in the treatment of Miller Class I and II GRs.
