The use of diode laser in esthetic crown lengthening: a randomized controlled clinical trial

This clinical trial assessed patient comfort, satisfaction, and the achievement and maintenance of ideal gingival margin levels using laser compared to conventional surgery in sculpting the soft tissues during esthetic crown lengthening. Eighteen patients with altered passive eruption were treated in a randomized split-mouth design by laser or scalpel crown-lengthening surgery. Patients were evaluated for intra- and postoperative pain and bleeding at 3 and 7 days. Clinical parameters including clinical crown length, probing depth, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and clinical attachment level were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. A gradual reduction in postoperative pain was recorded for both sides with no statistically significant difference at 3 (scalpel: 4.4 +/- 1.33, laser: 4.8 +/- 1.34; p= 0.088) and 7 days (scalpel: 1.8 +/- 0.94, laser: 1.8 +/- 1.10; p= 0.655). A statistically significant gain of coronal tooth structure was observed at 1, 3, and 6 months. Stability in the postcrown-lengthening level of the gingival margin was achieved one month following the procedure with no significant changes in the following months. All patients reflected acceptable results based on clinical evaluation and patient-reported outcomes. The diode laser can be used effectively as an alternative to the scalpel for the management of altered gingival contour. Clinical significance This study demonstrated that a diode laser is an effective tool for the management of cases with altered passive eruption. In addition, it gives insight to practitioners regarding the timing of esthetic restorative procedures and emphasizes the preservation of the gingival complex dimensions.