Diode Laser in Oral Surgical Management

AIM: Soft-tissue lasers have numerous applications in oral surgery, including gingivectomy, frenectomy, operculectomy, papilla flattening, uncovering temporary anchorage devices, ablation of aphthous ulcerations, exposure of impacted teeth, and even tooth whitening. Before incorporating soft-tissue lasers into clinical practice, the clinician must fully understand the basic science, safety protocol, and risks associated with them. The purpose of this article is to provide the correct management regarding safe and proper use of soft-tissue lasers in dentistry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different wavelengths were used (diode 810 nm, diode 980 nm) in different surgical situations: maxillary vestibular and lingual frenectomies and surgical site decontamination. The wavelengths were used with different parameters for each case, according to international current studies in view of minimally invasive therapy. RESULTS: The cases reported showed very quick and good healing of the laser treated tissues. These treatments, necessary for i.e. periodontal therapy or orthodontic therapy or for its completion, become extremely simple, safe and rapid and the dental specialist can perform them himself. CONCLUSION: The laser technique is very effective in many operative and surgical procedures during dental therapy. Further studies are however necessary to set the treatment protocols in surgical biostimulation.