CompletedNot Applicable

Clinical Evaluation of Laser Therapy Used as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Treatment of Gum Disease

23 participantsStarted 2017-01

Plain-language summary

The use of lasers to treat various problems in dentistry is growing as it has in medicine. One application is the use of lasers to treat periodontal disease. It has been suggested that the laser may reduce the need for surgical treatment by reducing pockets. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of laser treatment for periodontal disease. Laser therapy will be used in addition to traditional non-surgical scaling and root planing (deep cleaning). The information obtained from this study will provide an objective assessment of adjunctive laser therapy compared to conventional periodontal therapy and will attempt to show the benefits, if any, lasers can provide in the treatment of chronic periodontal disease.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Age 18 years old or older (male or female) * Healthy without systemic diseases that may adversely effect healing * Not pregnant and no current plans to become pregnant * No periodontal treatment in the previous 12 months * No systemic antibiotic therapy in the previous 6 months * At least two quadrants with periodontitis (ideally opposite side same jaw) * Each quadrant must have two or more sites with probing pocket depths ≥ 5mm * Each quadrant should include interproximal intrabony defect(s) Exclusion criteria: * Any systemic disease, medication, or habit known to adversely influence bone metabolism and/or wound healing: * Poorly controlled diabetes (HbA1c \> 7%) * History of bisphosphonate medications * History of radiation therapy affecting the proposed treatment site(s) * History of immunosuppressive medications (e.g. corticosteroids) * History of tobacco use (current or past tobacco use within the past 1 year) * Immune compromise caused by disease, treatment or other condition * Recent history of periodontal surgery (within the previous 2 years) * Recent history of scaling and root planing (within the previous 12 months) * Any condition that contraindicates periodontal therapy including surgery

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

Probing Pocket Depth

Timeframe: 12 months

Sites That Bleed on Probing

Timeframe: 12 months

Gingival Recession

Timeframe: 12 months

Clinical Attachment Level

Timeframe: 12 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04027686

SponsorUniversity of California, Los Angeles

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2019-12

Results submitted2021-01-26

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Periodontitis Chronic Generalized Moderate trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.