The effect of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser in non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Laser treatment may serve as an alternative or adjunctive treatment to conventional mechanical therapy in periodontics. The neodymium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been used in periodontics. Systematic reviews aid in clinical decision-making. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a systematic manner and after a comprehensive search of the literature, the (additional) therapeutic effects of using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser in the initial treatment of patients with periodontitis.