Use of high-power lasers in pediatric dental surgeries: case reports

The use of high-power diode laser technology follows the principles of minimally invasive dentistry. Laser technology is used frequently in pediatric dentistry, especially in surgical procedures, because this approach favors hemostasis, eliminates the use of sutures, improves healing, minimizes treatment time, reduces the sensation of pressure and vibration experienced by the patient, and creates more comfortable postoperative conditions. This article describes the use of high-power diode lasers to perform 3 minor oral surgical procedures--biopsy, lingual frenectomy, and operculectomy--in 2 children. In all 3 treatments, the operative time did not exceed 5 minutes, no sutures were used, and no postoperative complications were reported. Thus, high-power diode lasers can be considered an alternative approach to minor oral surgery that decreases chair time, reduces postoperative complications, and minimizes stress and anxiety in pediatric patients.