Patient perceptions and clinical efficacy of labial frenectomies using diode laser versus conventional techniques

Introduction: The aim of present study was to compare the keratinized gingival tissue measurements, degree of subjective complaints and functional complications of using an 980 nm diode laser versus a scalpel for labial frenectomies. Material and methods: Thirty-six patients requiring labial frenectomies, between 14 and 51 years old, were randomly assigned to either scalpel or diode laser treatments. The soft tissue measurements, including the keratinized gingiva width (KGW), attached gingiva width (AGW) and attached gingiva thickness (AGT), were recorded before surgery, immediately after, one week later and one, three and six months after surgery. In addition, the functional complications and the morbidity (level of pain, swelling and redness) were evaluated during the first postoperative week using a visual analog scale (VAS). Results: We determined statistically significant gains in the KGW, AGW and AGT after surgery in both groups; however, there was no significant difference between the study groups. The VAS scores indicated that the patients treated with a diode laser had less discomfort and functional complications compare with scalpel surgery. Discussion: The results described above show that diode laser surgery offers a safe, impressive alternative for labial frenectomies that are comfortable for the patients. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.