Comparison of Diode Laser and Scalpel Frenectomy With or Without Photobiomodulation

This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and patient-centered outcomes of conventional scalpel frenectomy and diode laser frenectomy with or without adjunctive photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Patients presenting with an aberrant maxillary labial frenulum requiring surgical intervention were recruited and randomly allocated into study groups.

Frenectomy procedures were performed either using the conventional scalpel technique or an 810-nm diode laser system. In selected groups, adjunctive photobiomodulation therapy was applied following the surgical procedure. Postoperative outcomes were assessed using patient-reported outcome measures, including visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scores, speech difficulty, chewing difficulty, analgesic consumption, and oral health-related quality of life measured by the OHIP-14 questionnaire.

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes were evaluated during the postoperative follow-up period to compare the effects of surgical technique and adjunctive photobiomodulation therapy on postoperative discomfort, functional recovery, and quality of life.

Inclusion criteria

• Age ≥18 years
• Presence of clinically diagnosed aberrant maxillary labial frenal attachment requiring surgical frenectomy
• Non-smoker status
• Absence of systemic disease or ongoing pharmacological therapy
• Absence of active oral infection
• Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy or lactation
• History of radiation therapy to the head and neck region
• Previous frenectomy surgery