Frenectomy with conventional scalpel and Nd:YAG laser technique: A comparative evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Frenectomy is complete excision of the frenum attachment to the underlying bone. Conventional frenectomy with blade has been widely used; however, laser-assisted frenectomy is the most recent alternative.

AIM

The present study aims to compare two methods of frenectomy for the pain experienced, intraoperative bleeding, healing outcome, and need for analgesics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with high labial frenum attachment requiring frenectomy were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into Group A: scalpel group and Group B: neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser group. 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 ( = 0.016), less bleeding ( = 0.016), and required fewer number of analgesics ( = 0.008). Healing outcome at 3 months showed no significant difference between the two groups ( = 0.095).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that Nd:YAG laser is an efficient and a more comfortable alternative to scalpel for frenectomy.