Comparison of pain and healing period after frenectomy using diode laser and Er:YAG laser: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The frenum is a mucous membrane fold that attaches the lip and the cheek to the alveolar mucosa, the gingiva, and the underlying periosteum. Frenectomy is the surgical removal of the whole frenum, including the area connected to the bones. This study's purpose was to compare the healing period and postsurgical pain experienced by patients operated with diode and erbium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Er:YAG) lasers.

METHODS: Twenty referred patients need to excision of the abnormal upper labial frenum were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups; Diode group (810 nm, 2W, continuous emission, initiated tip) and Er:YAG group (2940 nm, 2W, 200 mJ, 10 Hz). Both lasers were applied in contact mode. Post-operative pain was assessed with Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at post-operative 3rd hour and every day during the first week. Epithelialization process of the wound surface was evaluated by hydrogen peroxide solution applied to the wound on days 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90 following operations.

RESULTS: The result shows mean values in Pain index after 3 hours (Diode Group 2.1±2.0, Er:YAG Group 2.6±1.4), 1st day (Diode Group 1.1±1.1, Er:YAG Group 1.9±1.4), and 2nd day (Diode Group 0, Er:YAG Group 0.9±1.1) and shows no significant difference after (3-7 days); p =1.00). In Healing index the results shows a significant difference between the Diode Group and the Er:YAG Group (after 7 days; p = 0.029 and 14 days; p = 0.001) and show no significant difference after (30-60-90 days; p = 1.00).

CONCLUSIONS: The Er:YAG laser has better clinical results in healing wounds, whereas the diode laser is better in decreasing pain after frenectomy during follow-up periods.