Effects of Er:YAG laser and ultrasonic treatment on fibroblast attachment to root surfaces: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser and ultrasonic treatment on fibroblast attachment to periodontally diseased root surfaces. METHODS: Thirty single-rooted human periodontally involved teeth were included in this study. A total of 60 specimens were obtained from all selected teeth and were randomly assigned to the following three groups: group A, untreated control group; group B, ultrasonic group; and group C, Er:YAG laser at 160 mJ/pulse at 10 Hz group. All of the specimens were incubated in petri dishes with fibroblast suspension and observed by scanning electron microscopy. RESULTS: Laser-treated specimens showed a significantly higher cell density number, with a mean+/-SD of 3,720+/-316 cells/mm2. The ultrasonically treated group showed a lower cell density number, with a mean+/-SD of 658+/-140 cells/mm2. The untreated control group showed the lowest cell density number, with a mean+/-SD of 130+/-80 cells/mm2. Differences between all groups were significant (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that untreated control surfaces and ultrasonically treated surfaces exhibited a significantly lower number of attached cells compared to laser-treated specimens, which showed a significantly higher cell density number.