An evaluation of different treatments for recurrent aphthous stomatitis and patient perceptions: Nd:YAG laser versus medication.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to determine the anxiety levels of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) prior to therapy with the Nd:YAG laser or medication, and to compare the effects of these different treatment methods on the degree of post-treatment pain, discomfort, and functional complications (eating and speech) experienced.


METHODS
Twenty patients with RAS-related oral problems were included in the study. Levels of pre- and post-treatment pain and functional complications were assessed at patient visits on days 1, 4, and 7.


RESULTS
The results indicated that patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had less post-treatment pain and fewer functional complications, and reported immediate relief of pain and faster healing (p +/- 0.05). However, only after 5 d was there a significant reduction in the pain levels of the patients treated with medication.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that the Nd:YAG laser has better patient acceptance, shorter treatment time, and lower rates of pain and post-treatment adverse events among patients with RAS.
Tezel
Adnan
A
Department of Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey.
Kara
Cankat
C
Balkaya
Veysel
V
Orbak
Recep
R
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012008:Recurrence; D013281:Stomatitis, Aphthous / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy*