“Evaluation of Patient Perceptions and Wound Healing After Vestibuloplasty Procedure: A Comparison of Diode Laser and Scalpel Techniques”

Abstract

Introduction: A luminous smile indicates health and emotional stability, influenced by gingival health and tooth positioning. Periodontal plastic surgery improves aesthetics and hygiene. Insufficient vestibular depth complicates plaque control, leading to gingival issues. Treatments like vestibuloplasty enhance vestibular depth, with laser techniques gaining popularity for their reduced discomfort and improved outcomes. This study compares diode laser and scalpel effectiveness in treating inadequate vestibular depth.

Methodology: The present study is a randomised controlled trial conducted on 20-40 year-old patients, visiting the out-patient department. The patients without any systematic diseases, those with the inadequate vestibular depth and insufficient attached gingiva were recruited. Informed consent was taken, ethical approval was obtained before the start of the study, and the participants were randomly assigned into two groups. Vestibuloplasty was done either by Diode Laser (808 nm wave length) experimental group or by traditional Clark’s method, control group. Follow up was taken at 1^st, 3^rd, 7^th, 21^st day postop.

Results: The healing of the wound, as determined by the Landry Wound Healing Index, was statistically different between the Diode Laser and Scalpel Technique groups. 58.3% of participants in the experimental group had “Good” score, as compared to 50% in the control group on Day 1. At Day 7, 41.7% of the experimental group had “Excellent” scores, as compared to 0% of the control group. (p = 0.011) The patient perception scores taken by VAS scale showed consistently lower perception score for the diode laser group.

Discussion: Our results indicated that an initial reduction in pain scores was found with Laser treatment, and patient-reported outcomes were similarly superior for those who received Diode Laser therapy. Laser technique not only facilitates faster wound healing but also enhances patient comfort and perception of pain compared to the traditional Scalpel technique. Further research on different wavelengths of the Diode Laser and their effect on wound healing in varied population groups is the need of the hour.