Evaluation of the dimensional changes of the free gingival graft treated with low level laser therapy

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on free gingival graft (FGG) dimensions during healing period. Thirty-two subjects presenting Miller Class I,II,III gingival recessions were treated with FGG (Control group, n = 16) or FGG + LLLT (Test group, n = 16) in their mandibular anterior area. LLLT was performed to test group with the power of 0.1 W, 6 J/cm2 for 60 seconds with non-contact mode immediately after surgery and on 1st, 3rd, 7th, 14th days. The graft sizes in vertical and horizontal dimensions (upper and lower width) were measured with digital caliber and UNC 15 periodontal probe and the shrinkage of the graft was determined at baseline and months 1 and 3. Change in the graft dimensions both in horizontal and vertical were not statistically significant between groups during the whole study period (p>0.05). Although the reduction of graft dimensions during healing period in test group was lower than control group, the difference was not reached significance (p>0.05). It was observed that the upper and lower horizontal sizes of the grafts were correlated with each other at 1st and 3rd month (p<0.05). In addition, it was observed that the increase in plaque quantity caused the decreasing in the upper width dimensions of the graft. It was determined that LLLT did not have any additional effect on graft dimensional changes within the limits of this study. On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that graft vertical and upper width dimensions increase in direct proportion with the increment of graft lower width size.