LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY: ENHANCING SURGICAL OUTCOME OF CORONALLY ADVANCED FLAP OUTCOMES FOR ISOLATED GINGIVAL RECESSION

Abstract

Background: Gingival recession is a common issue that can impact how your smile looks and your oral health. The coronally advanced flap (MCAF) is a surgical procedure to treat gingival recession and enhance the esthetics. This procedure is often combined with low level laser therapy (LLLT) which is believed to enhance overall treatment results.
Objective: The goal of this research was to assess how effective LLLT is when used alongside MCAF in decreasing the depth and width of recession and improving the clinical attachment level within a span of 6 months.
Methods: Twenty patients, with Miller Class I or II gingival recession defects were divided into two groups -one receiving MCAF alone and the other receiving MCAF along with LLLT treatment in a randomized manner. The clinical measurements of GRD (gingival recession depth) GRW (gingival recession width) and CAL (attachment level) were evaluated at the beginning of the study and at the 3 month and 6-month marks to evaluate the progress. The results, between the two groups were compared and statistically analyzed.
Results: Both groups had same values, for GRD and GRW measurements initially. By month 3 of observation period the experimental group exhibited significant decreases in GRD (0.40 ± 0.35 mm vs. 1.10 ± 0.50 mm; p = 0.01) and GRH (0.50 ± 0.30 mm vs. 1.20 ± 0.60 mm; p = 0.002). The enhancements persisted after 6 months showing that those, in test group achieved results for gingival recession depth (0.50 ± 0.25 mm vs. 1.60 ± 0.45 mm; p = 0.001) as well as gingival recession width (0.60 ± 0.35 mm vs. 1.70 ± 0.55 mm; p = 0.001). The test group also experienced improvement, in clinical attachment level gain during both follow up periods.
Conclusion: Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) greatly improves the results of MCAF procedure by decreasing Gingival Recession Depth (GRD) and Gingival Recession Width (GRW) while improvement in clinical Attachment Level (CAL) during the 6 months post treatment follow up. Thus, the incorporation of LLLT, in the treatment of gingival recession may be considered.