Evaluation of patient perceptions of frenectomy: a comparison of Nd:YAG laser and conventional techniques.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the randomized controlled clinical trial described here was to determine the anxiety levels of patients prior to frenectomy using the Nd:YAG laser and conventional technique, and to compare the effects of these two methods on the degree of postoperative pain, discomfort, and functional complications (eating and speech).


METHODS
Forty patients with mucogingival problems due to labial frenums (both maxillary and mandibular) were included in the study. Ratings of preoperative fear and postoperative pain and functional complications for each patient were recorded using a visual analog scale at 3 h, 1 d, and 1 wk post-surgery.


RESULTS
The results indicated that patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had less postoperative pain and fewer functional complications (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that in the population studied, Nd:YAG laser treatment of soft tissue disorders provides better patient perceptions of success than those seen with conventional surgery.
Kara
Cankat
C
Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey. mcankat@hotmail.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007742:Labial Frenum / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome