The influence of diode laser (810–980) nm in treatment of the labial frenum in jaws: clinical study
https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0158
Abstract
INTRODUCTION. Midline diastema, gingival recession, and functional and aesthetic issues are possible outcomes of a high labial frenum. Although the traditional scalpel frenotomy is still effective, it is often characterized by intraoperative bleeding, the necessity to sew a wound, and a long postoperative period. Diode lasers with wavelengths of 810–980 nm have been reported to provide better hemostasis and reduced tissue trauma. The current study compared the clinical results of the diode laser and scalpel frenotomy.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. A randomized controlled trial was done on 50 patients (age 12 to 55 years) with high labial frenum who were referred to the Al Falah Special Dental Centre in Baghdad in 2024–2025. The subjects were randomly grouped either in the diode laser group (n = 25) or the scalpel group (n = 25). The outcomes of the postoperative period were measured with pain intensity using a visual analogue scale (VAS), bleeding, edema, oral functional status, and patient satisfaction on postoperative day 1, week 1, week 2, and week 4. The data were analyzed by means of the Mann-Whitney U test, and the statistical significance threshold of the test was p below 0.05.
RESULTS. Patients who had laser frenotomy had better outcomes. The laser group did not require any intraoperative bleeding or suturing, compared with the scalpel group. At the conclusion of week 2, the pain and edema scores were significantly lower in the laser group (p < 0.001). Oral functional recovery was faster, and patient satisfaction scores were mostly above all the measurements of the same (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS. Diode laser frenotomy is a safe, less invasive, and patient-friendly procedure compared to the conventional use of a scalpel. It provides superior hemostasis, reduced postoperative pain and edema, faster functional recovery, and increased patient satisfaction, making it the modality of choice in periodontal practice.
About the Authors
M. Y. Kadhim
College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Mays Y. Kadhim –MSc, Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Al Anbar, Iraq
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
S. S. Ahmed
College of Science, University of Baghdad
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Soudad Salman Ahmed – PhD, Professor, Faculty member, Department of Laser and Optoelectronics
Baghdad, Iraq
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
H. H. Enezei
College of Dentistry, University of Anbar
Iraq
Competing Interests:
Iraq
Hamid H. Enezei – PhD, Professor, Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Al Anbar, Iraq
Competing Interests:
The authors report no conflict of interest.
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Review
For citations:
Kadhim M.Y., Ahmed S.S., Enezei H.H. The influence of diode laser (810–980) nm in treatment of the labial frenum in jaws: clinical study. Endodontics Today. 2026;24(1):49-57. https://doi.org/10.36377/ET-0158
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