Diode Laser for Harvesting Gingival Graft

The procedure of connective tissue harvesting from the palate is often characterized by the challenge of obtaining the largest volume of tissue possible on one side while minimizing post-operative pain and reducing the risk of complications on the other.The present clinical study evaluated whether the additional use of diode laser would facilitate the donor surgery, improve the palatal wound healing and reduce post-operative morbidity after the bilaminar periodontal plastic surgery procedure for the treatment of isolated single gingival recession defects with no loss of interdental clinical attachment.

In the test sites, an aluminum, gallium, and arsenide diode laser (wavelength 810 nm and power of 1W) was applied in continuous mode. In the control group,a free (epithelialized) gingival graft was harvested by two horizontal and two vertical incisions defining the area. The post operative course of the patients were evaluated by visual analogical scale and the oral health impact profile

Inclusion criteria

• Presence of identifiable buccal cemento-enamel junction;
• Presence of a step ≤ 1mm at the cemento-enamel junction level
• No contraindications for periodontal surgery and no periodontal surgery on the involved sites
• Full-mouth plaque score of <10%; full-mouth bleeding score of <15%
• No occlusal interferences.

Exclusion criteria

• History of periodontitis or abscess formation
• Presence of systemic disease
• Smokers
• Pregnant patients.