Clinical Evaluation of Postoperative Healing After Conventional And Laser Assisted Frenectomy Operations

Clinical Evaluation of Postoperative Healing After Conventional And Laser Assisted Frenectomy Operations

The aim of this randomized controlled parallel-designed study was to evaluate clinical healing and patient comfort after conventional and diode laser assisted frenectomy operations in case of high papillary frenulum attachment. Forty-eight patients with high papillary frenulum attachments were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups; conventional frenectomy operation (Group C), frenectomy operation using diode laser (Group L) and diode laser asissted frenectomy with horizontal incision on the periosteum (Group L+P). Postoperative pain, difficulty in speaking and eating scores were assessed postoperative 3 hours and 1, 7, 14, 21 and 45 days using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Evaluation of epithelialization of the wound surface was carried out via hydrogen peroxide to the surface using a dental injector at postoperative 7, 14, 21 and 45 days. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing and probing depth were assessed at baseline and postoperative 7, 14, 21 and 45 days. All data were compared between groups and within each group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Systemically healthy, nonsmoker, aged between 18 and 65, high papillary frenulum attachment diagnosed according to Mirko et al (Mirko et al, 1974), not received any periodontal treatment within the last 3 months, presence of at least central, lateral incisors and canines at the upper jaw, and consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any systemic disease that might interfere with the prognosis of periodontal disease (i.e., diabetes mellitus, HIV infection), smoking, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs or any other medication taken within the last 6 months that might affect the outcome of the study, any physical limitations or restrictions that might preclude normal oral hygiene procedures.