Western Society of Periodontics

Clinical Studies

Volume Number 4, 1995

An evaluation of laser doppler readings obtained from human gingival sulci

The objectives of this investigation were to determine if intrasulcular laser doppler readings (LDR) (1) are reproducible, (2) can detect vascular changes associated with trauma from probe placement, (3) are reproducible when obtained with a stabilizing splint or without splint, and (4) can detect vascular changes following the injection of a local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor. Nine adult volunteers with clinically healthy gingiva were evaluated for 30-second intervals at five sites. Baseline LDR were obtained twice at each site, utilizing an acrylic splint to stabilize the probe and once without the splint (trial 1).All LDR were repeated at one month (trial 2) and again at two months (trial 3) after baseline. Results from this study demonstrate (1) intrasulcular LDR are reproducible at one- and two-month intervals; (2) trauma associated with probe placement results in increased LDR; (3) statistically significant intra-class coefficients exist for both splint-stabilized and non-splint-stabilized LDR; and (4) a highly significant reduction in LDR was noted following the administration of a local anesthetic with vasoconstrictor. [P.W.]