Comparative study for evaluation of ErCr:YSGG laser gingivectomy over conventional scalpel gingivectomy

Abstract

Introduction: Laser is one of the most important latest addition in the existing list of advanced equipments. However exaggerated marketing claims by clinician and manufacturers initiated falsely elevated expectations with regard to performance of laser in dentistry. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of present study was to evaluate the efficacy of ErCR:YSGG laser gingivectomy over conventional scalpel gingivectomy. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (20) with a total of Forty (40) quadrants of gingival enlargements were selected for external bevel gingivectomy. Patients divided into following groups: Group-A (Test Group) after phase1 therapy remaining suprabony pocket/enlarged gingiva removed by laser gingivectomy using Er,Cr:YSGG laser in 20 patients. Group-B (Control Group): After phase1 therapy remaining suprabony pocket/enlarged gingiva removed by conventional scalpel gingivectomy in 20 patients. The clinical evaluations were done under the following parameters: 1) Per & Post -operative bleeding 2) Postoperative pain 3) Postoperative swelling. Patients were evaluated at 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th day after gingivectomy. Results and Conclusion: All peroperative and postoperative records were compared between test & control groups. Following conclusions are drawn from the present study: Laser gingivectomy is superior to scalpel gingivectomy in terms of controlling per and post operative bleeding, postoperative pain and postoperative swelling as compared to scalpel gingivectomy. Keywords: Er,Cr:YSGG laser, Gingival enlagement, Gingivectomy, Acetaminophen, Visual analog scale.