Open AccessEvaluation of upper labial frenectomy: A randomized, controlled comparative study of conventional scalpel technique and Er: YAG laser technique
Author(s) -
Sarmadi Roxana,
Gabre Pia,
Thor Andreas
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.464
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2057-4347
DOI - 10.1002/cre2.374
Subject(s) - medicine , surgery , randomized controlled trial , laser surgery , significant difference , single blind , dentistry , laser , physics , optics
Objectives Abnormalities in the maxillary frenum may lead to esthetic or functional limitations and need to be corrected with a surgical intervention called frenectomy. The aim of the study was to compare frenectomies performed using Er:YAG laser technology with those using a conventional scalpel technique. Comparisons were of patients' experiences, treatment times, bleeding during treatment and wound healing. Material and methods The trial was performed as a prospective, randomized and controlled, single‐blind investigation. A total of 40 patients requiring frenectomy were randomly assigned to groups which underwent either conventional or Er:YAG laser treatment. Patients' experiences, treatment time, bleeding and wound healing were evaluated immediately after surgery and 5 days, 12 days and 3 months after surgery. Results Significant increase in time spent in surgery and bleeding was seen with conventional scalpel surgery. Directly after surgery the wound area was significantly larger in the laser group but at the 5‐day evaluation no difference could be observed between the groups. Finally, patients were satisfied with both methods, giving them the same assessments. Conclusion In the frenectomy procedure, laser surgery is faster and causes less bleeding and may be advantageous in frenectomies.