October 2023

Objective: To determine the effects of laser and photodynamic therapy (PDT) on crevicular procalcitonin (PCT) and red-complex bacteria in periodontitis stage II grade A patients. Methods: 66 sites with periodontitis were selected. After scaling and root planing (SRP), the participants were randomized to receive 810-nm diode laser and PDT using indocyanine green (ICG). The change in the crevicular PCT levels and red-complex bacterial loads using BAPNA assay was the primary outcome, probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), relative attachment level (RAL), plaque and gingival indices were the secondary outcome, measured at baseline and 3 month post-intervention. Results: Within each group, significant improvements (P<0.001) were found for all variables in 3 month follow-up, compared to the baseline. Of the treatment groups, SRP+ICG-PDT showed a better reduction in the BAPNA and PCT levels than SRP+ laser and SRP alone. Correlation analysis between BAPNA and PCT showed a significant positive correlation (r= 0.64; p=0.001). Conclusion: In periodontitis stage II grade A patients, a single application of PDT (using 810-nm laser and ICG) provided enhanced benefit compared to SRP alone or SRP + laser, in terms of reduction of red complex bacterial load and gingival crevicular procalcitonin levels 3 months following the intervention.