Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease driven by dysbiotic biofilms and associated with progressive destruction of tooth-supporting tissues and significant systemic health implications. While scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the foundation of non surgical periodontal therapy, its effectiveness is limited by anatomical constraints, residual biofilm, and increasing concerns related to antimicrobial resistance. These challenges have accelerated interest in minimally invasive, biologically driven adjunctive therapies.

This lecture presents the evidence-based consensus and clinical recommendations of the World Federation for Laser Dentistry (WFLD) regarding laser-assisted non-surgical periodontal therapy. The consensus was developed through a structured systematic review and expert Delphi process, incorporating randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical studies, and systematic reviews evaluating diode, Nd:YAG, Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, CO₂ lasers, antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), and photobiomodulation (PBM).

Strong evidence supports the adjunctive use of erbium family lasers (Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG) for effective biofilm and calculus debridement, significant probing depth reduction, and clinical attachment gain, with a high level of safety and patient comfort. Nd:YAG laser therapy, particularly within the LANAP® protocol, demonstrates regenerative potential and non-inferiority to minimally invasive surgical approaches in moderate to advanced periodontitis. Diode lasers provide consistent anti-inflammatory and hemostatic benefits when used within established safety parameters, especially in deep pockets and systemically compromised patients. aPDT and PBM offer non-antibiotic, repeatable strategies for microbial control, host modulation, and enhancement of periodontal healing.

This lecture synthesizes current biological mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and safety considerations to provide practical, consensus-based guidance for the integration of laser and light-assisted modalities into contemporary non-surgical periodontal therapy.