CompletedNot Applicable

Diode Laser Study for Periodontal Maintenance Patients

United States22 participantsStarted 2010-05-01

Plain-language summary

This study tries to determine whether the additional use of laser with "cleaning" (known as scaling and root planning) will result in the reduction of inflammation, reduction of bleeding upon examination and reduction of pocket depth in patients who are being maintained on a regular basis but have pocket depths that are ≥5mm with bleeding. When a pocket is bleeding, it is inflamed. It is usually "cleaned" with periodontal instruments (root-planed) to establish health. Some research also advocates using laser therapy to treat a bleeding pocket. Laser therapy is presently being performed in some dental offices and dental colleges. This research is trying to see if the additional laser therapy is beneficial.

Who can participate

Age range

30 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Any adult periodontal maintenance patient having had chronic periodontitis with last active therapy at least 3 months prior and with 1 or more sites/subject with ≥5mm probing depth that have bleeding on probing and/or suppuration. They have signed an informed consent form to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects who are un-controlled diabetics, use NSAIDS regularly for chronic disease/pain, used antibiotics for the last 3 months, require antibiotic coverage for therapy, are pregnant and below age 30.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Periodontal clinical parameters

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01215201

SponsorUniversity of Nebraska

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-06-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Periodontal Diseases trials