Evaluation of Pain Perception and Wound Healing After Laser-Assisted Frenectomy in Pediatric Patients: A Retrospective Comparative Study

The maxillary labial frenulum is an attachment that connects the upper lip to the gingival tissue, and when it is too closely attached to gingival margin due to inadequate plaque control, it may put gingival health at risk. This study aimed to assess postoperative pain perception and wound healing after laser-assisted frenectomy in a pediatric population retrospectively. This study is based on the clinical records of the patients who received laser-assisted frenectomy treatment due to mucogingival problems at the pediatric dentistry department. Twenty-two patients were treated with either 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser (Waterlase iPlus; Biolase Technology, Irvine, CA, USA) or 940 nm diode laser (Epic10; Biolase Technology). The analyzed data included age, gender, frenulum insertion type, type of dental laser, postoperative pain perception, and wound healing. Postoperative pain evaluation was performed using Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale after 3 h, 1 day, 1 week, and 2 weeks. Wound surface healing was assessed through photography. Images were uploaded to the software, and changes in the wound surface area were measured in square millimeters on the day of frenectomy and on postoperative first day, first week, and second week. Er,Cr:YSGG group had statistically significant better wound healing results after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found between 2780 nm Er,Cr:YSGG laser and 940 nm diode laser groups in terms of pain perception. It can be concluded that both laser wavelengths are a safe and useful tool for frenectomies in pediatric patients with less pain. Er,Cr:YSGG laser achieved faster healing than 940 nm diode laser. Clinical Registration number: Clinical Trials gov ID NCT04368715.