The McGuire Institute study compared conventional treatments for periodontitis with the BIOLASE REPAIR Perio protocol. (Image: BIOLASE)

IRVINE, Calif., U.S.: BIOLASE, a global leader in dental lasers, has reported the results of a clinical trial conducted at the McGuire Institute. Designed to meet the stringent American Academy of Periodontology best-evidence consensus standards, this first-of-its-kind study compared the BIOLASE REPAIR Perio protocol with conventional minimally invasive surgical treatment for moderate to severe generalized periodontitis.

The study was conducted at the McGuire Institute, which is a not-for-profit organization in Houston with a unique vision for advancing the practice of dentistry through clinically relevant research. It was found that the REPAIR Perio protocol had shorter procedure times than open-flap surgery did, as well as less bruising, swelling and postoperative bleeding. The results demonstrated that REPAIR is as effective as open-flap procedures in clinical parameters such as pocket depth and attachment level and has significantly better patient-reported outcomes.

“With 65 million Americans suffering from periodontitis, the findings from this study are significant in determining the best course of treatment for these patients,” said Todd Norbe, president and CEO of BIOLASE. “The study unequivocally confirms that patient-reported outcomes were significantly better after laser procedures. Using laser technology, periodontitis can now be treated—with less pain and greater patient acceptance—by both periodontists and general dentists alike. Studies continue to suggest that periodontal health is essential for overall health, as related to susceptibility to infection, including COVID-19 infections.”

A total of 53 patients were enrolled in the study, and treatment was provided by six experienced periodontists at five different sites. BIOLASE believes that this landmark study is the first multicenter, blinded, controlled study on the use of lasers in managing moderate to severe periodontitis and the only one designed to meet the stringent American Academy of Periodontology best-evidence consensus standards.

The REPAIR Perio protocol utilizes Waterlase laser technology to provide safe, minimally invasive, effective laser treatment for periodontal disease. More information about the Waterlase technology used in the study is available here.

The study, titled “A comparison of Er,Cr:YSGG laser to minimally invasive surgical technique in the treatment of intrabony defects: Six‐month results of a multicenter, randomized, controlled study,” was published on
July 2, 2020, in the Journal of Periodontology.

BIOLASE, Inc. specializes in the development, manufacturing and marketing of lasers and related products.

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