Scalpel Versus Laser Gingivectomy in Orthodontic Patients in the Management of Periodontal Health

The patients were anesthetized in the area around the teeth which were to undergo the procedure with local anesthesia (Drug: 2% lidocaine and 1:80,000 adrenaline). Initially, the Periodontal Probing Depth was measured and when sufficient anesthesia was achieved, biologic width calculation was done by the trans-gingival probing method. Once the amount of gingival tissue to be excised was demarcated, an external bevel incision was performed by using a scalpel blade (Device: scalpel blade No.15) and the gingival tissue was excised. Left out tissue tags and any beads of granulations tissue were removed to attain a smooth surface.

In the Laser Gingivectomy group, the procedure was performed by using a 810 nm diode laser (Device: 810 nm FOX III diode laser) . Though a local anesthetic gel is sufficient considering that the procedure is minimally invasive, the area was adequately anesthetized with 2% lidocaine and 1:80,000 adrenaline. The laser unit, comprising of a 300 μm disposable tip, was used in a contact mode with a setting of 1 to 1.5 watts in continuous mode along the demarcated area with a paint brush like strokes progressing slowly to remove the gingival tissue and expose adequate amount of tooth structure. High-volume suction was used to evacuate the laser plume and charred odor

In all subjects of the Control Group a full-mouth periodontal debridement was performed at baseline, 1 and 3 months with an ultrasonic scaler. Chlorhexidine prophylaxis (0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate) was also administered twice a day for 2 weeks after the periodontal treatment. Oral-hygiene instructions were reinforced again.