Diode laser (980 nm) in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures: clinical observations based on clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine the wound healing of soft tissue after the application of a diode laser (980 nm) in oral surgical procedures. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA Like the CO2 laser, the diode laser can be used for soft tissue surgery without extensive experience in the field of oral surgical. METHODS A diode laser was used to treat a variety of oral soft tissue lesions in 22 patients. The oral surgical procedures included removal of soft tissue tumors, frenectomies, excision of gingival hyperplasias, vestibuloplasties, hemangioma removal, and periimplant soft tissue surgery. The laser was used in both pulsed and continuous modes, with and without contact to the tissue. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical observations are reported. RESULTS Our preliminary clinical findings include sufficient hemostasis and precise incision margin with all of the surgical procedures. The coagulation properties, associated with the use of a diode laser, were particularly beneficial during removal of vascular lesions. The postoperative advantages, i.e., lack of swelling, bleeding, pain or, scar tissue formation, and the good wound healing were observed in all of the clinical applications and were dependent only on the laser physical parameters used. CONCLUSIONS The clinical application of the diode (980 nm) laser in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures seems to be of beneficial effect for daily practice.