Evaluation of Children’s Perceptions after Frenectomy: Diode Laser vs. Conventional Scalpel Technique

Abstract

Objective: The presence of abnormal frenum may cause aesthetic or functional problems, which can be prevented by frenectomy operation. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare children's perceptions of pain, speech and chewing difficulties after conventional scalpel technique and diode laser-assisted frenectomy operations. Material and Methods: Twenty-one patients, aged 10 to 16 years, who were indicated for Frenectomy were assigned to be treated with conventional scalpel technique or diode laser. In the comparison between both techniques, the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale was used to evaluate pain immediately after surgery and pain, speech and chewing difficulties at days 1, 3, 7, and 10 following the procedure. Factors such as duration of surgery, use of anaesthetic, and need for analgesics were also recorded. Moreover, Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale was used to evaluate the dental anxiety levels of parents about their children. Results: When compared to the conventional scalpel technique, it was found that the surgery took shorter, and no postoperative analgesic was needed in the group that underwent Diode laser surgery. In addition, as the age of the children increased, the anxiety levels of the parents decreased. When the postoperative perceptions of pain and functional discomforts were evaluated, there was no significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, Diode laser provided benefits such as significantly shortening the operation time and not requiring surgical sutures and analgesics in children. It may also allow the use of less infiltrative anaesthetic during the operation.