Innovative Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy in Cardiopathic Patients: Microbiological Evaluation

Methods:

We recruited 40 cardiopathic patiens with high or moderate periodontal disease, to verify the bactericidal ability of Nd:YAG laser therapy, the total bacterial amount, and the presence of some important microbiota involved in periodontal disease and cardiopathic disease (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus [Aggregatibacter] actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Enterococcus faecalis, Tannerella forsythensis, Treponema denticola, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Micromonas micros), analyzed by molecular methods. We used the PCR real-time method, which has a high specificity and a high sensibility in a plaque sample (sensibility = 10 cells).

We also recorded clinical periodontal indices (GI, PPD, CAL). Microbiological and clinical findings were recorded before the therapy and after 6 mos. We divided the patients into two groups: Group A and Group B.

We compared the clinical efficiency of full-mouth scaling and root planing alone in a group of 20 patients (Group A) and of full-mouth ultrasonic periodontal debridement (0.2% chlorhexidine) and laser irradiation with antiseptic substances (10 vol. H₂O₂) in a second group of 20 patients (group B), matched with the first group (according to Dr. Rey's periodontal laser protocol). Every patient was required to follow a standardized oral hygiene protocol.

Results: The preliminary results confirmed the efficacy of laser therapy in the treatment of periodontal disease in cardiopathic patients who should not be subjected to extended surgical therapy. The efficacy of this therapy was evaluated clinically and microbiologically.

Conclusions: Laser therapy seems to be an efficient device to treat cardiopathic patients with high and moderate levels of periodontal disease.