Effect of Low-level Laser Therapy on Palatal Wound Healing

The patients allocated for the test group received the following protocol for laser application: Five (5) points of irradiation were performed. The irradiation was performed with a ASGaAl diode laser that continuously emitted a wavelength of 660 nm. 30 mW was used for 20 seconds, and the total applied energy density (fluence) was 15 J/cm2 (3 J/cm2 per point and an application time of 4 seconds per point). The applications were performed using punctual contact (to reduce reflection) with the tip perpendicular to the gingival tissue. Laser therapy was initiated in the immediate postoperative period (just after sutures) and was followed by seven more applications performed every other day, with a total of 8 laser applications. The power of the equipment was calibrated prior to each application. The patients allocated to the control group received sham irradiation. For this, black rubber protection was placed at the tip of the laser device, which did not allow the light to reach the tissue