Use of the CO(2) laser on orthodontic patients suffering from gingival hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to assess the effect of the use of the CO(2) laser on the treatment of gingival hyperplasia in orthodontic patients wearing fixed appliances.

BACKGROUND DATA: Gingival hyperplasia is a condition very frequent in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Amongst the treatments available for this is the use of surgical lasers.

METHODS

Ten patients entered this study and signed an informed consent. Seventy-five anterior teeth with gingival hyperplasia were selected for laser surgery. Prior to surgery, the length of the crowns were measured using a digital caliper, and depth of the pocket was probed. The hyperplasic gingival was removed with a CO(2) laser under local anesthesia. Immediately after surgery, measurement of the length of the crowns and probing were carried out and were repeated.

RESULTS

The results were statistically analyzed and significant differences were detected regarding the length of the crown (p = 0.000) and depth of the gingival sulcus (p = 0.000).

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the use of the CO(2) laser was effective in the treatment of gingival hyperplasia.