808-nm laser with exogenous chromophores for the treatment of benign oral lesions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness and safety of the 808-nm wavelength for use on benign lesions of the oral cavity that are stained with toluidine blue solution.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The toluidine blue solution according to Mashberg is used in stomatology for the detection of leuko-erythroplasic lesions. In our experience, we have used it to stain even serous cysts, angiomas, and fibromas. We chose a 808-nm wavelength emitted from a power diode laser, because it is well absorbed by the blue color and barely by the healthy mucosa. The non-contact photocoagulation kept the surrounding borders intact when we used the pulsed-emission, 50 ms 7 W, without anesthesia. No sutures were needed. The leukoplasic borders of the lesions were histologically examined before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

The vaporized lesions healed completely in about 5-7 days without any kind of treatment, leaving some slight elastic white scars. A mild edema-erythema followed the treatment for 5-7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The selective results confirm the effectiveness of this therapeutic procedure on pigmented benign lesions, pre-treated with exogenous chromophores and photocoagulated without bleeding, with a minimum energy 808-nm laser.