A new technique for the removal of phenytoin hyperplasia using the carbon dioxide (CO2) surgical laser is presented as well as a review of laser physics and the current uses of the CO2 laser in dentistry. Twelve cases of phenytoin hyperplasia removed surgically by the CO2 laser are presented; hence a laser gingivectomy. Advantages of the procedure include lack of hemorrhage yielding a dry field, noncontact surgery, sterilization of the surgical area, prompt healing, minimal post operative discomfort, and minimal time spent to perform the procedure. At the present time the use of the laser in dentistry is new and limited. In the future the laser may offer an alternative or an advancement to current procedures now used in dentistry.
The use of the carbon dioxide laser for the removal of soft tissue lesions in the oral cavity is presented. The laser was used to remove numerous benign lesions and growths, for incisional and excisional biopsies, and for the removal of microinvasive and macroinvasive carcinomas. Owing to its coagulation properties, the laser was used effectively in treating patients with oral lesions compounded by blood dyscrasias. Because of the advantages of a relatively bloodless surgery; decreased postoperative discomfort; minimal swelling and scarring; and the laser's ability to coagulate, vaporize, or cut, the CO2 surgical laser offers the dental surgeon a viable and in many cases an improved alternative to the scalpel. Laser techniques and several case reports are discussed.
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