Laser Applications in Periodontal Therapy
Summary
Laser technology has become an increasingly important adjunct in the management of periodontal disease, offering novel approaches to microbial decontamination, tissue debridement and biostimulation. High-power lasers such as Nd:YAG, Er:YAG and diode devices can ablate biofilm and calculus within periodontal pockets, while low-level lasers support photobiomodulation to modulate inflammatory mediators and accelerate healing. Photodynamic therapy employs a photosensitiser activated by laser light to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively eradicate periodontal pathogens. Collectively, these modalities seek to enhance the efficacy of conventional scaling and root planing, reduce postoperative discomfort and promote regeneration of the junctional epithelium and connective tissues. Emerging protocols integrate laser irradiation with chemical irrigants or as part of minimally invasive surgical techniques, reflecting growing evidence that tailored laser parameters can optimise clinical outcomes and patient-centred measures such as pain control and quality of life.
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Laser Applications in Periodontal Therapy publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in laser applications in periodontal therapy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP): A minimally invasive protocol employing an Nd:YAG laser to decontaminate periodontal pockets, remove diseased epithelium and promote formation of new connective tissue attachment.
Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): An antimicrobial approach combining a photosensitising agent and low-level laser irradiation to generate reactive oxygen species that selectively inactivate periodontal pathogens.
Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT): Also known as low-level laser therapy, the application of non-thermal laser light to modulate inflammation, reduce pain and accelerate tissue repair.
Diode Laser: A semiconductor laser emitting near-infrared light (typically 800–1,000 nm) used for microbial reduction, pocket decontamination and adjunctive periodontal therapy.
References
- Laser-Assisted Non-Surgical Treatments of Periodontitis. Encyclopedia (2023).
- The Clinical and Microbiological Effects of LANAP Compared to Scaling and Root Planing Alone in the Management of Periodontal Conditions. Diagnostics (2023).
- Disinfection Potential of 980 nm Diode Laser and Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) in “Critical Probing Depths” Periodontal Pockets: Retrospective Study. Life (2022).
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