Research will evaluate benefits of BIOLASE laser therapy vs. traditional techniques in the management of periodontal disease
BIOLASE, Inc., the global leader in dental lasers, announced at the 102nd session of the American Academy of Periodontology in San Diego, CA, that it has entered into a clinical research agreement with The McGuire Institute, a leading practice-based dental research organisation specialising in evidence-based research to advance the practice of periodontics and dentistry.
The McGuire Institute is led by founder and senior clinical investigator Michael K. McGuire, DDS and has successfully conducted several evidence-based, landmark clinical studies on emerging dental materials and techniques. The Institute has agreed to conduct an independent, multi-centre research study focused on BIOLASE laser technology.
The initial project between BIOLASE and The McGuire Institute will include rigorous, multi-centre, blinded research using BIOLASE laser solutions for the management of periodontal disease. Dr. McGuire will also incorporate the institution’s groundbreaking work on patient-reported outcomes and patient-driven research, resulting in statistically meaningful evidence to further help patients and practitioners evaluate the benefits of laser therapy versus traditional techniques.
“We are very excited about the potential of our agreement with BIOLASE to yield high-level evidence regarding the use of lasers in the management of periodontal disease,” said Dr. McGuire. “We look forward to continuing to raise the bar in the quality and impact of clinical research conducted for the benefit of our patients and practitioners.”
BIOLASE has made rigorous evidence-based clinical research a priority in its efforts to demonstrate the benefits of laser dentistry for patients and clinicians.
“The opportunity to conduct independent clinical research with a highly esteemed group like The McGuire Institute is an important step forward for the company’s clinical research efforts,” said Harold C. Flynn, Jr., President and CEO of BIOLASE. “Their network of highly trained clinicians, who are also practicing periodontists and oral surgeons, will be instrumental in bolstering the objective evidence necessary to significantly expand adoption of lasers in dentistry.”
The prevalence of periodontal disease in the US is an epidemic that research has indicated may lead to complications such as heart disease, diabetes and complications with pregnancy. According to the American Dental Association, 69.7 per cent of adults in the US over the age of 30 have some form of periodontal disease. Of those affected, approximately 50 per cent of them may require surgical intervention by a dental professional, which may potentially be performed less invasively with similar or improved outcomes than with traditional techniques.
