Project Abstract

Chronic periodontitis is a prevalent oral health condition characterized by the progressive destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gingiva, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and significant impairment of oral function and quality of life. Conventional periodontal therapy, which typically involves scaling and root planing (SRP), has been the standard of care for managing chronic periodontitis. However, the limitations of SRP, such as its inability to effectively access deep periodontal pockets and remove bacterial biofilms, have prompted the exploration of alternative treatment modalities, including the use of lasers. Laser-assisted periodontal therapy (LAPT) has emerged as a promising approach that may address the shortcomings of traditional SRP. Lasers can selectively remove diseased and inflamed periodontal tissues, disinfect the root surface, and stimulate the regeneration of the periodontal attachment apparatus. The potential advantages of LAPT include improved access to deep pockets, enhanced bacterial elimination, and better wound healing and tissue regeneration. However, the clinical efficacy of LAPT compared to conventional SRP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis remains a subject of ongoing research and debate. This project aims to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of LAPT in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. The study will involve a randomized, controlled clinical trial (RCT) comparing the clinical, microbiological, and patient-reported outcomes of LAPT and SRP in the management of chronic periodontitis. The study will recruit a sample of patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis and randomly assign them to either the LAPT or SRP treatment group. The primary outcome measures will include the reduction in probing depth, gain in clinical attachment level, and changes in the subgingival microbial composition. Secondary outcomes will assess patient-reported outcomes, such as pain, discomfort, and satisfaction with the treatment. The study will also explore the potential mediating factors that may influence the treatment outcomes, such as the severity of periodontal disease, patient's oral hygiene, and the presence of systemic conditions. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of LAPT compared to SRP will be evaluated to provide insights into the feasibility and sustainability of implementing LAPT in clinical practice. The findings of this project will contribute to the growing body of evidence on the use of lasers in periodontal therapy. If LAPT demonstrates superior efficacy and improved patient-reported outcomes compared to conventional SRP, it could potentially lead to the adoption of this technology as a more effective and patient-centered approach to the management of chronic periodontitis. The results of this study will also inform clinical guidelines and decision-making processes for the treatment of this prevalent oral health condition. In conclusion, this project aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the efficacy of LAPT in the treatment of chronic periodontitis, addressing the limitations of traditional SRP and exploring the potential benefits of laser-assisted therapy. The findings will have important implications for improving the standard of care and enhancing the overall oral health and well-being of individuals affected by this chronic and debilitating condition.

Project Overview