title: Use and Evaluation of a Cooling Aid in Laser-Assisted Dental Surgery: An Innovative Study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effect of NeoHeal during laser-assisted oral surgery.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Laser-assisted surgery is a less invasive technique than conventional surgery using a blade; however, the heat produced by the laser can damage tissue proximal to the treated area. We hypothesized the hydrogel NeoHeal could be applied during oral surgery and have similar benefits as those already described for dermatological surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  In our randomized controlled trial, we first selected 30 patients who were to undergo laser surgical intervention using a diode laser. Both at the end of intervention and at follow-up, each patient filled out a questionnaire comprising two questions. The answers to the questions were statistically analyzed with regard to frequency of each response, and validated by the Wilcoxon test with a p value <0.05 being considered significant.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The use of NeoHeal significantly reduced the pain experienced by patients both during the intervention and at the 7-day follow-up. NeoHeal clearly reduces surgery-related pain experienced by patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results show positive feedback from the patients, demonstrating how the hydrogel pads are necessary, useful, and effective as a cooling aid in laser-assisted dental surgery.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila, Italy .
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bernardi
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila, Italy .
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mummolo
authors.affiliation: 2 Deptartment of Industrial Information Engineering and Economics, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila, Italy .
authors.forename: Keti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Zeka
authors.affiliation: 2 Deptartment of Industrial Information Engineering and Economics, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila, Italy .
authors.forename: Leonardo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Pajewski
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila, Italy .
authors.forename: Maria Adelaide
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Continenza
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila , L'Aquila, Italy .
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Marzo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003080:Cold Temperature; D004059:Diffusion of Innovation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor; D008297:Male; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome