Year : 2020

Volume : Volume 11

Issue : Issue 1

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Saurabh Shekhar.
saurabhshekhar@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  An Aberrant frenumen crouches the gingival health when it is attached too closely to the gingival margin, either due to interference in the plaque control or due to a muscle pull. Such condition has to be treated by frenectomy which can be performed by scalpel, electrocautery, or with soft tissue lasers. Hence, the aim of the study is to compare the degree of postoperative pain and healing experienced by patients during frenectomy procedure with surgical scalpel and diode laser technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 subjects ranging from 16 to 40 years of age group with papillary or papillary penetrating frenum attachment in the maxillary and mandibular anterior region were selected. Enrolled subjects were randomly divided into two groups as follows Group A (n = 10): Comprised of 10 subjects selected for conventional scalpel technique. Group B (n = 10): Comprised of 10 subjects selected for diode laser technique. Various parameters such as Visual Analog pain score, intraoperative bleeding, number of analgesics used, and healing outcome 3 months postoperatively were recorded. Results: Group B patients experienced less pain (P = 0.018), less bleeding (P = 0.018), and Required fewer number of analgesics (P = 0.009). Healing outcome at 3 months showed no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.096). Conclusion: Based on current findings and clinical outcome, diode lasers provide better patient perception and an efficient and satisfactory option for procedures such as frenectomy.

Keywords: Diode laser, frenectomy, scalpel, wound healing.