13th World Congress for Laser Dentistry

26-28, April 2012

Barcelona, Spain

Meeting Abstract

Sponsors: World Federation for Laser Dentistry

-  Poster 79

TITLE: Evaluation of post-operative perception of frenectomy in paediatric patients: a comparison of two different laser wavelengths.

AUTHORS: Manfredi M, Merigo E, Fornaini C, Grati F, Meleti M, Vescovi P.

Unit of Oral Pathology, Oral Medicine and Laser-Assisted Oral Surgery, Section of Odontostomatology - University of Parma - Italy

SOURCE: Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2012 May 1;17(Supplement1):S227.

* doi:10.4317/medoral.17643727

http://dx.doi.org/10.4317/medoral.17643727

Abstract

Introduction: Laser frenectomy has been introduced to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of periodontal surgery as well as to decrease post-operative pain.

Aim of the study: To compare the effect of 2 laser wavelengths on the degree of post-operative pain experienced following a frenectomy.

Material and Methods: 30 consecutive healthy paediatric patients (7-13 years) requiring a labial frenectomy were enrolled in the study. A randomising table was created by an external Department. 2 different laser wavelenghts were used: Diode (DMT Italia, 980 nm, fiber 320 µm) and Nd:YAG (Fidelis Plus, Fotona, fiber 320 µm). At day 3 and 10 a post-operative evalution of pain was performed using VAS. An evaluation of the inflammation was scored by a different operator who was not informed of the laser used during frenectomy.

Results: All the patients in both the groups experienced low post-operative pain (score below 4). No differences in haemostasis were recorded between the 2 wavelengths (p>0.05) and in terms of compliance (p=0.15). The patients treated with Nd:YAG had significantly less immediate post-operative pain compared to diode surgery (p=0.01). The inflammation score (day 3) was significantly lower in the group treated with Nd:YAG when compared to the diode group.

Conclusions: These results support the use of laser for frenectomy, underlining a good patient acceptance and reduced rates of pain and/or post-operative adverse effects.