Evaluation of diode laser and stannous fluoride in the treatment of root sensitivity after access flap surgery: Randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Postsurgical root sensitivity has always been an enigma to the periodontists. There is a plethora of evidence suggesting the presence of root sensitivity following periodontal flap surgical procedures. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate the effect of low-power diode lasers with and without topical application of stannous fluoride (SnF ₂ ) gel in the treatment of root sensitivity and also evaluate whether laser creates any placebo effect in the control group or not.
Materials and Methods: Thirty patients participated in this study and 99 teeth were included. Root sensitivity was assessed for all groups with a Verbal Rating Scale (VRS). For each patient, the teeth were randomized into three groups. In the test Group I, sensitive teeth were treated with SnF ₂ and diode laser. In the test Group II, sensitive teeth were irradiated with laser only. In the control group, no treatment was performed.
Results: The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score for VRS and Visual Analog Scale at baseline was not statistically significant ( P > 0.05) between the three groups. After 15 min, statistical significant difference was seen in test Group I and test Group II, although no difference was found in the control group. At 15 ^th day and 30 ^th day, the mean ± SD scores were statistically significant ( P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that diode lasers alone and in combination with 0.4% SnF ₂ was effective in the treatment of root sensitivity after access flap surgery.
Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.