Removal of epulis fissuratum by Er,Cr:YSGG laser in comparison with the conventional method.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to compare clinical outcomes during the recovery period after soft tissue surgery performed by an erbium, chromium:yttrium-scandium-gallium-garnet (Er,Cr:YSGG) laser with those after surgery with the conventional method, in which a scalpel was used.

METHODS: A total of 44 epulis fissuratum removal surgeries were performed in 30 healthy volunteers using either an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (laser group) or a scalpel (conventional group), with the same number of lesions in each group. Both groups were controlled postoperatively on days 2, 7, 14, and 30. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores of the patients and healing, erythema, and suppuration in the surgical area were recorded with scores between 0 and 3. Total wound surface was measured by a ruler according to the Bates-Jensen Wound Assessment Tool.

RESULTS: The results of the present study demonstrated that there were no significant differences between the conventional group using analgesic and the laser group in terms of the VAS scores (p = 0.744) and edema (p = 0.206). Evaluation of wound surface revealed healing without any problem as of the 2nd day at a rate of 82% in the laser group and 59% in the conventional group.

CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, Er,Cr:YSGG laser was superior to scalpel regarding clinical outcomes, and led to a difference in the use of analgesic and local anesthetic.