In vivo effects of an Er:YAG Laser, an ultrasonic system and scaling and root planing on the biocompatibility of periodontally diseased root surfaces in cultures of human PDL fibroblasts

Background and Objectives The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vivo effects of an Er:YAG laser (ERL), an ultrasonic system and scaling and root planing (SRP) on the biocompatibility of periodontally diseased root surfaces in cultures of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDL). Study Design/Materials and Methods Forty single rooted teeth, considered for extraction due to severe periodontal destruction, have been randomly assigned to the following groups: (1) ERL at 160 mJ/pulse and 10 Hz, or (2) Vector® ultrasonic system (VUS), or (3) SRP using hand instruments, or (4) untreated control (C). Immediately after instrumentation, all test and control teeth were extracted a…