Diode laser as an adjunctive treatment for peri-implant mucositis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The early detection and treatment of peri-implant mucositis may help in reducing inflammatory parameters and arrest disease progression to peri-implantitis. The potential clinical benefits of using different adjunctive therapies, such as the diode laser, are still not clear.

Aim: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to evaluate the outcomes of using diode laser on the treatment of peri-implant mucositis in terms of changes in periodontal parameters.

Materials and Methods: Electronic databases were searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the combined use of mechanical debridement and diode laser with mechanical debridement alone. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias tool. Data were analyzed using a statistical software program.

Results: A total of 149 studies were identified, of which, three RCTs with 311 dental implants in 311 participants were included. Overall meta-analysis showed more reduction in probing pocket depths (mean difference (MD) -0.36; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.88 to 0.16; P = 0.18) and bleeding on probing (MD -0.71; 95% CI -1.58 to 0.16; P = 0.11) at three months in favour of diode laser, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusion: In the management of peri-implant mucositis, the combined use of diode laser and mechanical debridement have positive short-term effect on periodontal parameters but any additional clinical advantage over mechanical debridement alone is still not clear. Long-term, well-designed RCTs are still needed to substantiate the clinical benefits of using diode laser as an adjunctive therapy in the management of peri-implant mucositis.