Gummy Smile Management Using Diode Laser Gingivectomy Versus Botulinum Toxin Injection - A Prospective Study

Gummy smile (GS) is a nonesthetic condition that affects the confidence of many young people. The present study aimed to compare the results of two approaches used in the management of GS in a group of Egyptian females.

This comparative cohort study included 24 female patients aged 25-35 years, divided into two groups. Group A included patients treated with diode dental laser gingivectomy, while Group B included patients who were treated with Botox injection. The clinical assessment of the pre-and post-operative measurements of exposed gums in millimetres on an active full smile was analyzed and compared for both groups. The paired t-test was used to compare pre and post measurements in each group, and the mean difference between the groups was compared using the independent t-test.

Group A showed instant improvement, while Group B results appeared 1 week later. The variation between preoperative and postoperative GS measurements in both groups was statistically significant. The preoperative and postoperative mean ± standard deviation was (5.17 ± 0.9 and 1.89 ± 0.5) in Group A and (4.27 ± 1.0 and 1.79 ± 1.0) in Group B. Comparison between the two groups revealed a highly significant greater mean difference of 3.27 ± 0.5 mm in Group A than Group B (P < 0.001). The findings were satisfactory in all cases of both approaches, and there were no complications.

Using a diode laser to treat gummy smiles for oro-dental genetics case with gingival hypertrophy saves time and effort compared to conventional surgical techniques. Diode dental laser is a safe fast and effective method of treatment giving more superior results than Botox injection which showed a less invasive alternative temporary GS therapy that is easily guaranteed and more patient-favored.