title: Effect of low-energy laser application in the treatment of denture-induced mucosal lesions.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Mucosal inflammation under dentures causes problems for prosthodontists and patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study evaluated the effectiveness of a low-energy laser used in the treatment of denture-induced mucosal lesions in comparison with other conventional methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen men were selected and divided into three groups of six according to the treatment applied: denture removal, relined dentures with temporary tissue treatment, and application of laser irradiation for the lesions while continuing to wear the dentures. Oral hygiene and nutrition were maintained during the study. Clinical, histologic, and densitometric assessments were used to evaluate the three treatment methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results revealed that lesions in the group treated with laser irradiation were clinically superior in healing when compared with the other groups. Histologic evidence of the therapeutic effect of lasers in healing denture-induced mucosal lesions was demonstrated. Densitometric evaluation showed an increase in the optical density of alveolar bone underneath the irradiated lesions compared with untreated lesions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These findings suggest the effect of therapeutic laser treatment on both soft tissue and bone with subsequent improvement of denture foundation after treatment of denture-induced mucosal lesions.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry and Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt.
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Marei
authors.forename: S H
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Abdel-Meguid
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Mokhtar
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Rizk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003823:Denture Rebasing; D003826:Denture, Complete, Lower / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology; D011859:Radiography; D013282:Stomatitis, Denture / Q000209:etiology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014016:Tissue Conditioning, Dental