Introduction: Increased tooth mobility as a consequence of untreated periodontitis leads to tooth loss due to increased periodontopathogens. The use of metronidazole in combination with spiramycin is one of the effective conventional treatments of severe periodontitis (grade C), but it has several side effects. On the other hand, diode laser (980 nm) is also recommended to treat severe periodontitis (grade C) due to its bactericidal and detoxifying effects.
Objective: Measure and compare the grade of teeth mobility after intra-pocket application of diode laser therapy versus systemic antibiotic in severe periodontitis (stage 3 grade C).
Materials and methods: A Randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 50 patients with stage 3 grade C periodontitis divided equally into two groups. Group I (test group) treated by scaling and root planning (SRP) together with intra-pocket application of diode laser. Group II (control group) treated by SRP and systemic antibiotic administration. Patients were evaluated in terms of mobility degree at baseline, 4th and 12th week postoperatively.
Results: The degree of teeth mobility decreased significantly from baseline to the end of the treatment in each group individually. However, there was no significant difference between both groups at the end of the treatment.
Conclusion: Laser therapy and systemic antibiotic are effective treatment modalities in decreasing the degree of mobility of teeth with stage 3 grade C periodontitis. However, to avoid the systemic antibiotic side effects and bacterial resistance of long term use, intra-pocket laser therapy can be recommended.