Efficacy of scaling and root planing with photobiomodulation for treating periodontitis in gutka chewers: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To explore the influence of photobiomodulation (PBMT) as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treating periodontitis among gutka chewers. Materials and methods: Self-reported smokeless-tobacco (gutka) users were enrolled; and underwent SRP with (test group) and without (control group) PBMT. Full-mouth plaque index (P-I), bleeding upon probing (BUP), probing depth (P-D) clinical attachment loss (CAL), marginal bone loss (MBL) (on mesial and distal surfaces of the teeth), and number of missing teeth were recorded before treatment and at 3 and 6 months. Group comparisons were performed and p < 0.05 was referred significant. Results: In the control group, P-I ( p < 0.013), BUP ( p < 0.001), and P-D ( p < 0.012) were high at baseline compared with 3 months follow-up. P-I, BUP, and P-D were higher in the test group, at baseline in comparison with the 3-month ( p < 0.001) and 6-month ( p < 0.01) follow-up. At 3 and 6 months, scores of P-I, BUP, and P-D were high in the control compared with the test group. No difference in CAL, and mesial and distal MBL was found among patients of both groups at 3 and 6 months. Conclusions: Among gutka chewers, SRP with PBMT is more efficient than SRP alone in the management of periodontitis.