Effect of the carbon dioxide laser on the clinical parameters and crevicular IL-1beta when used as an adjunct to gingival flap surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effect of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser treatment on the clinical parameters and crevicular Interleukin-1 (IL-1beta) levels when used in combination with gingival flap surgery. METHODS: Twelve patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis were selected for this study. Three quadrants in each patient were randomly assigned to one of the following study groups: 1) flap surgery only as the (control); 2) flap surgery and laser treatment using an energy level of 0.8 W as (group 1); 3) flap surgery and laser treatment using an energy level of 0.5 W as (group 2). The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected at the baseline and biweekly for 6 weeks and the amount of IL-1beta concentration in the sulcular fluid was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The clinical parameters such as the probing pocket depth, the clinical attachment level, the gingival recession and the bleeding on probing were recorded at the baseline, 3, 6 months. RESULTS: Marked reductions of the bleeding on probing, the probing pocket depth, the clinical attachment level and a reduction in the crevicular IL-1beta concentration were found in all groups. However, the differences between the groups in terms of bleeding on probing and the probing pocket depth were not significant (p<0.05). The clinical attachment level and the crevicular IL-1beta level were significantly lower in group 1 (0.8 W) than in the control (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The additional use of a carbon dioxide laser on the root surface during gingival flap surgery may enhance the clinical attachment and reduce the crevicular IL-1beta concentration.