Effect of Photobiomodulation on Root Covering Associated with the Connective Tissue Grafting Technique - Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

Introduction: Gingival recessions are very common periodontal defects that result in aesthetic impairment of the patient due to disharmony and asymmetry of the gingival contour, as well as complaints of dentin hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) on root coverage of gingival recessions using the connective tissue graft technique in a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical study. Materials and Methods: 40 patients were selected and randomly divided into 2 groups with Miller Class I and II gingival recession on canines or premolars without the presence of cervical wear. The test group underwent tunneling with connective tissue grafting for root coverage and BMF application, while the control group underwent tunneling with connective tissue grafting for root coverage and placebo BMF application. The data was analyzed using the Friedman test (repeated measures) and the Wilcoxon test (baseline and final), with p<0.05. Results: Among the clinical parameters, there was no difference between the control group and the test group in any of the parameters investigated. Regarding patient-centered parameters, dentin hypersensitivity was significantly reduced after 6 months in both groups. There was also an improvement in aesthetics at the end of treatment in both groups and, with regard to post-operative discomfort, there was a significant difference in the group treated with MBF. Conclusion: Photobiomodulation reduced patients' post-operative discomfort without significantly affecting clinical parameters.