Evaluation of the local effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment with and without systemic antibiotic and photodynamic therapy in generalized aggressive periodontitis. A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study's aim was to evaluate the local effect of clarithromycin associated with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample comprised 72 periodontal pockets on single-rooted teeth in multiple quadrants, with both probing depth and clinical attachment level ≥5 mm, and with bleeding on probing. The pockets were randomly distributed into four groups (n = 18 each) that received ultrasonic periodontal debridement in addition to placebo (the UPD group), systemic clarithromycin (the UPD + CLM group), aPDT (the UPD + aPDT group), or both systemic clarithromycin and aPDT (the UPD + CLM + aPDT group). The measurements were performed prior to treatment (baseline) and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The following parameters were evaluated: plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level. A 5% significance level was used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: At 3 months, UPD + aPDT, UPD + CLM, and UPD + CLM + aPDT groups all exhibited reduced probing depths relative to the UPD group (p < 0.05). However, at 6 months, the reduction in mean probing depth was greater in the antibiotic groups (UPD+CLM and UPD+CLM+aPDT) than in the UPD and UPD+aPDT groups (p < 0.05). Regarding clinical attachment level, only the UPD+CLM+aPDT group presented a significant gain relative to the UPD and UPD + PDT groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonic periodontal debridement has greater clinical advantages when associated with clarithromycin than with associated with aPDT. However, the joint application of aPDT and clarithromycin did not present additional benefits.

Effect of GaAIAs low-level laser therapy on the healing of human palate mucosa after connective tissue graft harvesting: randomized clinical trial.

Among the available techniques to treat gingival recession, connective tissue graft (CTG) presents more foreseeability and better results in the long term. However, this technique causes morbidity and discomfort in the palatine region due to graft removal at that site. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the influence of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the healing of the donor palatine area after CTG. Thirty-two patients presenting buccal gingival recession were selected and randomly assigned to receive LLLT irradiation (test group) or LLLT sham (control group) in the palatine area after connective graft removal. A diode laser (AsGaAl, 660 nm) was applied to test the sites immediately after surgery and every other day for 7 days. The evaluated parameters were wound remaining area (WRA), scar and tissue colorimetry (TC), tissue thickness (TT), and postoperative discomfort (D). These parameters were evaluated at baseline and 7, 14, 45, 60, and 90 days after surgery. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used for analysis. The test group presented statistically significant smaller wounds at days 14 and 45. None of the patients presented a scar at the operated area, and colorimetry analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between groups (p > 0.05). Patients reported mild to moderate discomfort, with low consumption of analgesic pills. We concluded that LLLT irradiation can accelerate wound healing on palatine mucosa after connective tissue removal for root coverage techniques (ClinicalTrial.org NCT02239042).