Are Lasers Safe for Frenum Dental Surgery?

Oral Surgery includes a wide array of dental procedures, including removing soft tissue from the lips and mouth. The reason for the removal of the soft tissue may be because of extra tissue connecting the cheek to the gums. There are two specific areas in the mouth; the lingual frenum connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth and the maxillary frenum connecting the upper lip to the mouth. Another reason for the removal of soft tissue may be to remove mucoceles, which may be caused by lip biting or removing a mole on the lip or even removing excess gum tissue. This list does not include all the possible reasons to remove soft tissue, but gives you an idea of them.

Most of these surgeries have traditionally been performed with a scalpel or electrosurgery.  Lasers have become a simple and safe alternative for both children and adults, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, NCBI. Using a laser has proven to be quicker and safer oral surgical method, as well as, a method that reduces the chances of infection, swelling, discomfort, scaring and is even less invasive.

So, what makes using lasers for oral surgery quicker and more non-invasive? For one, many times there is no need to anesthetise the area where the surgery is to be performed. There is no pain or discomfort from the laser. A laser is non-invasive because there is little or no bleeding from the procedure. Another benefit to the laser surgery is a general dentist can perform some laser surgeries, so there may be no need to visit an oral surgeon.

The Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine and Surgery also supports using the laser for oral surgeries. There are many more possibilities in using lasers in dentistry. I have only touched on a few.


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