Adjunct Photodynamic Therapy in Chronic Periodontitis Among Cigarette-smokers.

In groups 1 and 2, aPDT was performed after SRP. The protocol for aPDT is described elsewhere. Briefly, using a blunt needle, 0.005% of Methylene blue was applied into the periodontal pocket and left in place for 10 seconds. The dye was then irradiated with a diode laser (670 nanometers) at 150 milliwatts. In each dye filled periodontal pocket, laser irradiation was performed for one minute using a flexible tip. In the present study, aPDT was performed once, at baseline, by a trained dentist.

In both groups, SRP was performed in one session under local anesthesia using handheld Gracey curettes No. 5/6. One trained dental hygienist blinded to the study groups and subgroups made 9 to 10 strokes in a vertical (apico-coronal) direction and the inclination between scaler tips and roots was maintained as zero. When the curved explorer indicated a smooth and hard dental surface, SRP was judged as completed. In all individuals, SRP was done in one session without any assigned time limit for completion.