Use of a 10,600-nm CO2 Laser Mandibular Vestibular Extension in a Patient With a Chromosomal Abnormality.
Vestibuloplasty involves a series of surgical procedures designed to restore alveolar ridge height by lowering the muscles attached to the buccal, labial, and lingual aspects of the jaws. The technique is indicated in cases of insufficient vestibular depth that may result from atrophy of the alveolar ridge and/or high attachment of muscle or movable mucosa. This article focuses on a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vestibular extension procedure performed in a patient with Klinefelter syndrome, which is caused by a chromosomal abnormality. The 10,600-nm CO2 laser is shown to offer several advantages over a conventional scalpel and other laser wavelengths for soft-tissue pre-prosthetic surgery, including vestibular extension.
DDirector of Laser Dentistry, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, Mesa, Arizona; Founder, Global Laser Oral Health LLC, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Robert
R
Levine
Founder, LightScalpel LLC, Woodinville, Washington; Member, Science and Research Committee, Academy of Laser Dentistry, Coral Springs, Florida; Faculty, California Implant Institute, San Diego, California; Faculty, Global Laser Oral Health LLC, Scottsdale, Arizona.
Peter
P
Vitruk
D000328:Adult; D000540:Alveolar Ridge Augmentation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007713:Klinefelter Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D054020:Lasers, Gas / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D014727:Vestibuloplasty / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*