Comparision of Healing Period after Frenectomy Using Scalpel, Electrocautery & Diode Laser

Background: An Aberrant frenum encroaches the gingival health when it is attached too closely to the gingival margin, either due to interference in the plaque control or due to a muscle pull. Such condition has to be treated by frenectomy which can be performed by scalpel, electrocautery, or with soft tissue lasers. Hence, the aim of the study is to compare the degree of healing of patients after frenectomy procedure with surgical scalpel, electrocautery and diode laser technique.

Study Design: Original research article.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Periodontics at Narsinhbhai Patel Dental College & hospital at Visnagar, between July 2015 and august 2016.

Materials and Methods: A total of 15 subjects ranging from 16 to 40 years of age group with papillary or papillary penetrating frenal attachment in the maxillary anterior region were selected. Enrolled subjects were randomly divided into three groups as follows Group A (n = 5): Comprised of 5 subjects selected for conventional scalpel technique. Group B (n = 5): comprised of 5 subjects selected for electrocautery technique. Group C (n = 5): comprised of 5 subjects selected for diode laser technique. Various parameters such as bleeding, pain, and swelling, presence of infection, wound healing and patient comfort were evaluated.

Results: The results indicated patients treated with the diode laser had less postoperative pain (P < 0.0001) and required fewer analgesics (P < 0.001) as compared to patients treated with the conventional scalpel & electrocautery technique. Wound healing at 7th day and after 1 month for all the groups showed statistical significant difference with better outcome in Group C. However, wound healing at the end of 3 months did not show any significant difference between the groups.

Conclusion: Based on current findings and clinical outcome, diode lasers provide better patient perception and an efficient and satisfactory option for procedures such as frenectomy.