Efficacy of diode lasers as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. (A systematic review of randomized controlled trials)

Aim. To systematically evaluate the efficacy of diode lasers (810, 940, and 980 nm) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Material and methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, PMC, Cochrane Library, CyberLeninka, and eLibrary.ru databases for the period 2008—2024 following PRISMA guidelines. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SRP combined with diode laser therapy vs. SRP alone in adult patients with chronic periodontitis were included. Results. Ten RCTs (n=287 patients total) met the inclusion criteria. Adjunctive diode laser therapy resulted in statistically significant additional reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD) of 0.32 mm (95% CI: 0.15—0.45) and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain of 0.18—0.35 mm (95% CI: 0.12—0.52) compared to SRP alone. The most pronounced effect was observed with 810 nm and 980 nm lasers. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion. Adjunctive diode laser application is safe and provides statistically significant improvements in periodontal clinical parameters. The clinical magnitude of the benefit is modest and most pronounced in moderate-depth pockets (4—6 mm).