Comparative frenectomy with conventional scalpel and dual-waved laser in labial frenulum

AIM: The purpose of the study is to compare the labial frenectomy between the laser surgery (erbium yttrium aluminum garnet and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG and Nd:YAG)) and the scalpel method. METHODS: The trial was a randomized controlled test. Thirty four patients aged from 5 to 10 years requiring the frenectomy were included in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group A: Er:YAG and Nd:YAG laser group and group B: scalpel group. In addition, this comparison considered the following factors: surgical time and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score, which includes intraoperative pain, postoperative pain and complications, such as speaking and chewing, for 1 day and 7 days following labial frenectomy. After 3 months, we recorded the healing outcome by photos. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in mean surgical time between laser surgery (mean=224±59 s) and scalpel surgery (mean=740±168 s). According to VAS scores of the intraoperative period (3 hours after the operation and 1st postoperative day of pain), chewing and speaking were statistically higher in group B than those in group A; but in the 7th postoperative day of pain, there was no significant difference in speaking and chewing. After 1 month, all of the patient results were recorded, including the healing of wound and scar. Except for one patient in group B who had a scar, all patients achieved good results. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that Nd:YAG laser is an efficient and more comfortable alternative to the scalpel for a frenectomy in upper lip frenulum.