Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare pain relief effects after periodontal flap surgery among Nd : YAG laser irradiation, Er : YAG laser irradiation and the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs in the same patients, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Ninety teeth from 11 patients were included in this study. Ninety teeth were divided into three groups. In the experimental group 1 (Exp-1) (n = 33 teeth), the root surface, bone defect and the inside of gingival flap were irradiated with an Nd : YAG laser after root planing and bone defect debridement (3.0 W, 30 sec, 3 times). In experimental Group2 (Exp-2) (n = 29 teeth), the same areas, after the same treatments, were irradiated with an Er : YAG laser (1.0 W, 30 sec, 3 times). In addtion, in the Exp-1 and Exp-2 groups, the mucogingival junction was additionally irradiated with the same lasers, (1.5 W, 1 min, 3 times) immediately after surgery. In the control Group 3 (Cont) (n = 28 teeth), neither laser was used following flap surgery and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered after surgery as soon as possible. The VAS was performed immediately after surgery and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours in the first day and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hours after getting up. The results of the statistical analysis indicated that VAS of the Exp-1 was significantly higher than that of the Cont immediately after surgery at 1 hour in the first day, however, there was no statistically significant difference in the second day (p<0.05). Based on the findings of this limited study, Nd : YAG laser irradiation, Er : YAG laser irradiation and the administration of anti-inflammatory drugs may have almost the same pain relief effect after periodontal flap surgery.
Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai Kaishi (J Jpn Periodontol) 49 : 207-214,2007.
