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Laser-assisted laterally positioned flap operation: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
Eftal Yilmaz1, Onur Ozcelik, Murat Comert
11 Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Cukurova , Adana, Turkey .
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
|January 8, 2014
Summary
The laser-assisted laterally positioned flap (LALPF) procedure significantly improved complete root coverage for gingival recession defects compared to the traditional laterally positioned flap (LPF) alone. Patient satisfaction with aesthetics was also higher with the LALPF approach.
Area of Science:
- Periodontal regenerative surgery
- Laser dentistry applications
Background:
- Gingival recession defects pose esthetic and functional challenges.
- Laterally positioned flap (LPF) is a common surgical technique for root coverage.
- Minimally invasive techniques are sought to improve surgical outcomes and patient comfort.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a novel laser-assisted laterally positioned flap (LALPF) procedure against the traditional LPF technique for treating isolated gingival recessions.
- To evaluate clinical and patient-centered outcomes, including root coverage and aesthetic satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 32 patients with Miller class II gingival recessions.
- Patients were assigned to either the LALPF group (n=16) or the LPF group (n=16).
- Diode laser was utilized for vestibular deepening in the LALPF group to enhance flap maneuverability. Clinical and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain and aesthetics were assessed at baseline, 7 days, and 6 months.
Main Results:
- Complete root coverage was achieved in 81.2% of LALPF patients versus 46.7% of LPF patients (p=0.044) at 6 months.
- No significant differences in pain levels (VAS) were observed between the two groups.
- Patient satisfaction with aesthetic outcomes was significantly higher in the LALPF group.
Conclusions:
- The laser-assisted laterally positioned flap (LALPF) approach demonstrates superior effectiveness in achieving complete root coverage for Miller class II gingival recessions.
- LALPF offers improved aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction compared to the conventional LPF procedure.
- Diode laser integration enhances surgical maneuverability, contributing to better clinical results in treating gingival recession defects.
