Conventional flap versus laser assisted periodontal surgery in the treatment of furcal abscess- a case report.

Introduction: Furcal perforations compromise the health of the periradicular tissues and threaten the viability of the tooth. Perforation repair is a very attractive and frequently successful alternative to extraction of the involved tooth. Diagnosis and repair of furcal perforation, abscess have remained a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma for the clinician. We believe this case report is the first of its kind to compare the repair of furcal perforation due to iatrogenic causes with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and bone graft by conventional surgical technique and laser assisted periodontal therapy in mandibular molars. Case presentation: Two patients presenting with clinical presentation and diagnosis of furcal abscess due to iatrogenic causes were treated and followed up for six months. The furca were exposed surgically. The furcation area in one patient was debrided by conventional periodontal therapy while in the other laser assisted periodontal therapy was instigated using diode laser, and the perforation sealed with mineral trioxide, bone graft was placed in the interradicular area.  Clinical and radiographic examinations were conducted at base line and 6 months. Conclusion: During the 6 month follow up satisfactory resolution of the clinical and radiographic defect in the interradicular region was achieved by both conventional surgical and laser assisted periodontal therapy. Keywords: furcal abscess, perforation repair, mineral trioxide, diode laser, bonegraft