Free gingival graft adjunct with low-level laser therapy: a randomized placebo-controlled parallel group study

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in terms of enhancing wound healing, reducing free gingival graft (FGG) shrinkage and postoperative pain.Materials and methodsThirty patients were randomly assigned to receive either FGG+LLLT (test, n=15) or FGG+plasebo LLLT (control, n=15). In the test group, a diode laser (810nm, 0.1W, energy density 6J/cm(2)) was applied immediately after surgery and 1, 3, 7, and 14days later. Measurements of the graft surface areas of the groups were made with an image-analyzing software at baseline and first, third, and sixth months. Complete wound epithelialization and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain score were evaluated after surgery.ResultsShrinkage of the graft was statistically higher in the control than the test group at third and sixth months (p<0.05). In terms of epithelization of the graft area, the test and control groups did not show any significant difference during the 28-day period (p>0.05). Besides this, statistically significant differences were observed for VAS pain score and the number of analgesic used (p<0.05).ConclusionsThe use of an 810-nm diode laser provided additional benefits to FGG in terms of less shrinkage of the graft dimensions and postoperative pain.Clinical relevanceLow-level laser therapy reduced the shrinkage of free gingival graft's surface area after 6months and enhanced postoperative pain relief.