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The carbon dioxide laser in soft tissue preprosthetic surgery
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|February 1, 1989
Summary
The surgical carbon dioxide laser offers benefits for preprosthetic soft tissue surgery, reducing bleeding and pain. Further research is recommended to explore its advantages over traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Laser Surgery
Background:
- The surgical carbon dioxide laser can vaporize soft tissues.
- It offers potential for reduced bleeding, pain, and swelling compared to conventional methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and patient outcomes of carbon dioxide laser use in preprosthetic soft tissue surgery.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 27 patients undergoing soft tissue preprosthetic procedures.
- Procedures included frenectomies, tuberosity reduction, hyperplasia removal, and sulcus deepening.
- Ambulatory surgery was performed, with outcomes assessed for bleeding, infection, swelling, pain, and wound contraction.
Main Results:
- No bleeding or infection was observed during ambulatory surgery.
- Swelling was minimal, and pain was moderate, with one-third of patients requiring no analgesics.
- Wound contraction occurred but was less significant than with scalpel excisions.
Conclusions:
- The carbon dioxide laser demonstrates advantages for soft tissue preprosthetic surgery.
- These benefits include reduced intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain.
- Further investigation into laser applications in this surgical field is warranted.