Diode laser (980 nm) in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures: Clinical observations based on clinical applications

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the wound healing of soft t issue after the application of a diode laser (980 nm) in oral surgical proc edures. Summary Background Data: Like the CO2 laser, the diode laser can be used for soft tissue surgery without extensive experience in the field of oral surgical. Methods: A diode laser was used to treat a variety of oral s oft tissue lesions in 22 patients. The oral surgical procedures included re moval of soft tissue tumors, frenectomies, excision of gingival hyperplasia s, vestibuloplasties, hemangioma removal, and periimplant soft tissue surge ry, The laser was used in both pulsed and continuous modes, with and withou t contact to the tissue. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical observat ions are reported, Results: Our preliminary clinical findings include suffi cient hemostasis and precise incision margin with all of the surgical proce dures. The coagulation properties, associated with the use of a diode laser , were particularly beneficial during removal of vascular lesions. The post operative advantages, i.e., lack of swelling, bleeding, pain or, scar tissu e formation, and the good wound healing were observed in all of the clinica l applications and were dependent only on the laser physical parameters use d. Conclusions: The clinical application of the diode (980 nm) laser in ora l and maxillofacial surgical procedures seems to be of beneficial effect fo r daily practice.