Postoperative clinical evaluations of Low Intensity Laser in Gingival Smile Corrective Surgeries

The use of laser therapy acts as an adjunct in the process of reducing pain sensitivity. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative comfort, aesthetic perception and quality of life in patients undergoing gummy smile treatment after low-level laser therapy. A total of 20 patients participated in the research. After clinical crown lengthening by means gingivectomy, a 660 nanometers diode laser was randomly applied to a hemiarch immediately at the end of surgery, and after 3, 7 and 14 days. Comfort was assessed using the visual analogue scale after laser applications. Records of the Oral Health Impact Profile and orofacial aesthetic scale were obtained before the procedure and 90 days postoperatively. The findings showed that in relation to comfort, on days 3 and 7, patients had progressively less postoperative pain in the laser group (p=0.023) and (p=0.008). In relation to OHIP-14, there was a statistically significant change in the psychological disability aspect, which corresponds to questions 9 (p= 0.01655) and 10 (p=00673). Regarding OES, all items showed a significant improvement in patient satisfaction after 90 days. Thus, the laser may have a promising effect in terms of postoperative pain in periodontal surgeries, such as aesthetic smile surgeries. Furthermore, these procedures improve orofacial aesthetics and promote a better quality of life for the patient.