Treatment of Plaque-Like Oral Lichen Planus with CO2 Laser

BACKGROUND: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which annoys the patients for several years. It presents with various clinical forms. Although plaque-like form of OLP is usually asymptomatic, it could transform to a malignant lesion. Therefore, treatment considerations are essential to reduce the development of oral cancer. Laser therapy is a newer modality for treatment of plaque-like lesions. AIMS: This study aimed to perform laser therapy for plaque-like lesions of OLP. METHODS: We described some plaque-like OLP lesions evaporated with CO2 laser. The power of 4–7 watt as continuous wave (CW) and defocused mode was employed for evaporation. The complications and recurrence were evaluated in the follow-up sessions. RESULTS: In some patients, mild keratotic lesions were observed in the follow-up sessions. Most patients were satisfied with treatment process and reported mild burning after treatment. No complication was observed in the patients. CONCLUSION: CO2 laser could be employed for OLP lesions; however, some degrees of recurrence may occur.