Nd:YAG and diode laser in the surgical management of soft tissues related to orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this clinical study was to observe and evaluate the surgical management efficiency of soft tissues during orthodontic treatment.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-seven young patients were selected and treated by laser-assisted surgery before or during orthodontic treatment and were classified by sex, age, and type of surgical management. Three different wavelengths were used (diode 810 nm, diode 980 nm, and Nd:YAG 1064 nm) in different surgical situations: maxillary vestibular and lingual frenectomies, surgical exposure and alignment of ectopic or retained teeth, and re-contouring gingival overgrowth.

RESULTS

In all evaluated patients, the laser treatment was performed without local anesthesia or sutures. Only topical anesthetic was needed.

CONCLUSION

These use of these wavelengths of laser energy was a noticeable aid in the surgical management of soft tissues before or during orthodontic treatment. The benefits of laser treatment include reduced bleeding during surgery with consequent reduced operating time and rapid postoperative hemostasis, thus eliminating the need for sutures. The lack of need for anesthetics and sutures, as well as improved postoperative comfort and healing, make this technique particularly useful for very young patients.