Comparative Evaluation of Er:Cr:YSGG, Diode Laser and Alvogyl in the Management of Alveolar Osteitis: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Study

Abstract

Introduction: Alveolar osteitis (AO) is a well-known complication following tooth extraction. Plethora of literature is available regarding its treatment modalities signifying that none of the treatment is as effective as any another treatment. LASER on the other hand, has been used to promote soft tissue healing. Material and method: In order to evaluate the effects of laser on healing of AO we undertook a randomized clinical trial. In the trial, sixty patients diagnosed with AO were randomly divided into three groups viz: alvogyl, diode laser and Er:Cr:YSGG laser (erbium chromium yttrium scandium gallium garnet). Results: On analyzing the results, diode laser at 1.0 W power settings (energy: 20–25 J/cm2) in non-contact, continuous mode was found to be the most effective for both pain relief and healing improvement. Conclusion: The diode laser is an acceptable and effective non-dressing treatment modality for alveolar osteitis, which is the most common painful complication following extraction.