Evaluation of patient perceptions of frenectomy: a comparison of Nd:YAG laser and conventional techniques.

Objective: The aim of the randomized controlled clinical trial described here was to determine the anxiety levels of patients prior to frenectomy using the Nd:YAG laser and conventional technique, and to compare the effects of these two methods on the degree of postoperative pain, discomfort, and functional complications (eating and speech).

Methods: Forty patients with mucogingival problems due to labial frenums (both maxillary and mandibular) were included in the study. Ratings of preoperative fear and postoperative pain and functional complications for each patient were recorded using a visual analog scale at 3 h, 1 d, and 1 wk post-surgery.

Results: The results indicated that patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had less postoperative pain and fewer functional complications (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results suggest that in the population studied, Nd:YAG laser treatment of soft tissue disorders provides better patient perceptions of success than those seen with conventional surgery.