Laser therapy lowers Dentin Hypersensitivity in Periodontally Compromised Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment

Patients with severe periodontal breakdown have a high risk of pathologic tooth migration due to excessive masticatory forces, typically displaying proclination of incisors and dispersed spaces among anterior teeth segments. Nowadays, an increasing number of middle-aged populations with periodontal problems seek orthodontic care after inflammation control for better oral function and aesthetics. Current evidence supports that orthodontic treatment could benefit periodontal health by facilitating occlusal force redistribution and equilibrium under the prerequisite of achieving an inflammation-remitted and stabilized periodontal condition. Sustaining a fully controlled periodontal inflammation is extremely important for periodontally compromised patients during and after orthodontic treatment [8]. Although guided by professional care and instructions, patients are the central executive of their daily oral hygiene and inflammation control. Periodontally compromised patients need to self-regulate their oral hygiene intensively, achieve a stable and relatively healthy periodontal status, and guarantee a successful periodontal–orthodontic interdisciplinary treatment

This study aimed to assess the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in periodontally compromised patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methods: This triple-blinded randomised controlled trial included 143 teeth with DH from 23 periodontally compromised patients. Teeth on one side of the dental arch were randomly assigned to the LLLT group (LG), while those on the contralateral side were allocated to the non-LLLT group (NG). After orthodontic treatment commenced, patients’ orthodontic pain (OP) perceptions were documented in pain diaries. DH was assessed chairside by a visual analogue scale (VASDH) at fifteen timepoints across the orthodontic treatment and retention. VASDH scores were compared among timepoints by the Friedman test, among patients with varying OP perceptions using the Kruskal–Wallis tests, and between the LG and NG with the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: DH generally decreased over the observation (p < 0.001). The VASDH scores differed among patients with varying OP perceptions at multiple timepoints (p < 0.05). The generalized estimating equation model showed teeth in the LG had a significantly lower VASDH score than the NG at the 3rd month of treatment (p = 0.011).

LLLT could be potentially beneficial in managing DH in periodontally compromised patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Reference:

Shan Z, Ren C, Gu M, Lin Y, Sum FHKMH, McGrath C, Jin L, Zhang C, Yang Y. Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Dentin Hypersensitivity in Periodontally Compromised Patients Undergoing Orthodontic Treatment: A Randomised Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2023; 12(4):1419. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12041419