Evaluation of long-term effects of diode laser application in periodontal treatment of poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of diode laser (DL) in addition to non-surgical periodontal treatment on periodontal parameters, systemic inflammatory response and serum haemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) level in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic periodontitis. Methods: Thirty-seven patients with poorly controlled T2DM and chronic periodontitis completed this study. The patients were divided into two groups. The individuals in the control group received placebo laser treatment in addition to scaling and root planing (SRP). The individuals in the study group received DL (1 watt) in addition to SRP. Clinical index measurements were performed before treatment (T0), 3 months after treatment (T1) and 6 months after treatment (T2). Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level and probing depth were measured to determine periodontal status. HbA1_c and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were also analysed using blood samples. Results: In both groups, clinical and laboratory parameters were significantly improved at T1 and T2 compared to baseline (P < 0.05). Gingival index, bleeding on probing and probing depth were more significantly reduced after treatment in the SRP+DL group than in the SRP group (P < 0.05). The serum CRP and HbA_1c levels were similar between the groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The use of DL in addition to SRP in periodontal treatment of T2DM individuals makes positive contribution to the reduction of local inflammation and to periodontal healing. On the other hand, it has no beneficial effects on systemic inflammatory response and glycaemic control.