Er:YAG laser versus scaling and root planing as alternative or adjuvant for chronic periodontitis treatment: a systematic review

Aim To perform a systematic review to evaluate the erbium-doped: yttrium, aluminium and garnet (Er:YAG) laser versus scaling and root planing (SRP) as alternative or adjuvant for chronic periodontitis treatment. Material and Methods We performed a literature search using six electronic databases and completed by manual searches up to July 2013. We conducted a meta-analysis as well as heterogeneity, sensitivity, subgroup and power analyses to clarify and validate the pooled results. The 3-, 6- and 12-month clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results Twelve eligible randomized clinical trials were finally included. Our meta-analysis showed that Er:YAG laser resulted in similar clinical improvements as SRP 3 months postoperatively. For subgroups by laser level, quality of trials and fluorescence feedback device, the results remained consistent. The 6- and 12-month observations between Er:YaG laser and SRP demonstrated no difference but inconclusive, due to large heterogeneity. The advantage of Er:YAG laser adjuvant to SRP for periodontitis treatment was not significant. Conclusions This systematic review indicated that the clinical efficacy of Er:YAG laser was similar to SRP 3 months postoperatively. The clinical benefits of Er:YAG laser as adjuvant to SRP was still lacking. Since Er:YAG laser has certain advantages, it could be expected to be a novel short-term alternative choice for chronic periodontitis.