PhD Scientific Days 2026

Poster Session 1.O - Dental Research

Effect of Laser-Induced Heat Provocation Test on Gingival Microcirculation in Healthy Subjects

Name of the presenter

Fekete, Ádám

Institute/workplace of the presenter

Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

Authors

Ádám Fekete^1,2, Tamás László Nagy², Imola Tolnai², Réka Fazekas^1,2, Eszter Ágnes Szalai^1,2, Beáta Kerémi^1,2, János Vág^1,2
1: Centre for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
2: Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

Text of the abstract

Introduction:
The vasodilatory capacity (VDC) of the oral microcirculation is diminished in certain pathological conditions, such as periodontitis, diabetes, smoking, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Reduced VDC has been linked to poorer survival rates of mucosal flaps, making its assessment a critical component of surgical planning. While changes in VDC can be effectively monitored through thermal provocation tests, traditional methods are unsuitable for the oral cavity due to its unique anatomical and spatial characteristics.

Aim:
Our goal was to develop a standardized intraoral thermal provocation test and establish normative values stratified by sex, enabling the identification of patients at risk for pathological conditions.

Materials and Methods:
Thermal provocation test was performed using a 0.4 W diode laser applied for 4 seconds to the marginal gingiva of tooth 12 (FDI notation) in 13 healthy, non-smoking volunteers (7 males and 6 females) with good oral hygiene. Changes in the microcirculation of the marginal gingiva were monitored using Laser Speckle Contrast Imager (LSCI).
Data were recorded during a 2-minute baseline period, throughout the heat provocation, and for 15 minutes afterward. Statistical significance was assessed using Student’s t-test.

Results:
Our results indicate that irradiation with a 0.4 W laser for 4 seconds above tooth 12 induced significant hyperemia (males: baseline LSPU = 193±46 vs. peak LSPU=287±70, p=0.003; females: baseline LSPU=237±83 vs. peak LSPU=299±75, p=0.012). A paired Student’s t-test showed no difference in peak hyperemia between sexes (t=1.21, p=0.25) The peak hyperemia developed in approximately 27 seconds in both groups.

Conclusion:
A laser-based, standardized intraoral thermal provocation test was successfully developed as a simple, reversible, and non-invasive method to assess the vasodilatory capacity of the gingival microvasculature. However, due to the limited number of study participants, we have not yet been able to evaluate potential gender differences.

Funding:
FOK Faculty Research Grant 2025