Objective: The purpose of this literature review was to evaluate the effectiveness of using Er:YAG (
erbium-doped yttrium/aluminum/garnet) laser or Er,Cr:YSGG (
erbium,
chromium-doped
yttrium/scandium/gallium/garnet) laser on
calculus removal and their effect on the topography and roughness of root surface in comparison with the conventional instruments in the nonsurgical periodontal
therapy. Background data: One of the most challenging problems in treatment of
periodontal disease is the elimination of plaque and
calculus, leaving a clean and smooth root surface to decrease plaque and
calculus retention, and for good gingival reattachment. Materials and methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched for available literature. The electronic search was limited to articles published in the period between January 2007 and April 2017, in the English language. Results: A total of 47 publications fulfilled the inclusion criteria of this systematic review and screened according to the research questions.
Calculus removal using the ultrasonic instrument showed remaining
calculus compared with the hand instrument, whereas, on the contrary,
erbium lasers revealed no remaining
calculus or smaller amounts compared with the conventional instruments when used in appropriate settings. The results of this review showed that ultrasonic instrumentation produced effects on the root surface almost similar to that of hand instrumentation.
Er:YAG laser and Er,Cr:
YSGG laser clarify a little more surface roughness when compared with conventional instruments. Conclusions: The present systematic review indicates that a combination of scaling and
root planing (SRP) using the
erbium lasers as an adjunctive
therapy at certain parameters can be appropriate to remove residual debris from the root surface and at the same time have little or no negative thermal effect on the root surface. The
Er:YAG laser also seems to be the most suitable for nonsurgical periodontal
therapy. Additional new good-designed studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of
erbium lasers with SRP in nonsurgical periodontal
therapy.