The Effect of Laser Photocoagulation on the Soft Tissue Healing During Socket Preservation

The Effect of Diode Laser Photocoagulation on the Soft Tissue Healing During Socket Preservation in the Esthetic Zone.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the effect of laser photocoagulation in comparison to the non-resorbable dense polytetrafluroethylene (dPTFE) membrane on the soft tissue healing during socket preservation with bovine bone xenograft.

The study was designed as randomized, controlled, clinical trial. patients who were undergoing tooth extraction and socket preservation were divided into two groups: Group I:980 nm Diode laser was used to seal the socket by photocoagulation .Group II : a non-resorbable dPTFE was used to seal the socket and stabilized by suturing to the soft tissue margins of the socket

All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at the baseline and on the second , third and fourth weeks postoperatively.Then recalled after 4 months for the final radiographic examination.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The need for the extraction of nonrestorable maxillary anterior tooth for untreatable caries, endodontic treatment failure or root fracture.
2. Type I postextraction sockets according to the classification proposed by Elian et al. with all bony walls intact .
3. Adult patients (aged 18-50 years).
4. A good standard of oral hygiene, as determined by the registration of an O'Leary Plaque Index of less than or equal to 10% after phase I therapy.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The presence of any systemic disease that could complicate bone and soft tissue healing of the grafted socket.
2. The presence of any local factor that may interfere with extraction as tooth ankylosis.
3. Smoking.
4. The presence of bone dehiscence and fenestrations of the post-extractive alveolus (Type II and III sockets).
5. Subjects who had undergone radiation therapy.
6. Patients who had been subjected to or who were under bisphosphonate therapy.