Dimensional Changes of Free Gingival Graft Treated with Low Level Laser Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with Three Months Follow Up

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on free gingival graft (FGG) dimensions during healing period.
Methods: Thirty-two subjects presenting Miller Class I and II gingival recessions were treated with FGG (Control group, n = 16) or FGG + LLLT (Test group, n = 16) in their mandibular anterior area. LLLT was performed to test group with the power of 0.1 W, 6 J/cm² for 60 seconds with non-contact mode immediately after surgery and on 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th, 14^th days. The graft sizes in both vertical and horizontal dimensions were measured with digital caliber and the shrinkage of the graft was determined at baseline and months 1 and 3.
Results: Change in the graft dimensions both in horizontal and vertical were not statistically significant between groups during the whole study period (p>0.05). Although the reduction of graft dimensions during healing period in test group was lower than control group, the difference was not reached significance (p>0.05). It was observed that the upper and lower horizontal sizes of the grafts were correlated with each other at 1^st and 3^rd month (p<0.05).
Conclusions: The additional benefit of LLLT on the dimensional changes of the graft were not shown in this prospective clinical study. On the other hand it may be suggested that the inflammatory stage of healing period can be accelerated with LLLT.