EFFICIENCY OF HIGH INTENSITY LASER IN GINGIVOPLASTY

Abstract

The gummy smile consists of excessive exposure of the gum during smiles. Patients with this condition often seek dental care in order to reduce aesthetic discomfort. The objective of this literature review will be to present the use of high power lasers to perform gingivoplasty. To carry out this work, a bibliographic research was carried out in the following databases: PubMed/Medline, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) and Lilacs, using the search terms: “gingivoplasty”, “lasers” and “periodontics” in Portuguese, English and Spanish for the last ten years. The literature shows that the laser is an alternative for scalpel replacement in many intraoral soft tissue surgical procedures. Which has some advantages when compared to the conventional technique such as more precise soft tissue excision, cauterizing blood vessels, decreased postoperative pain and swelling, with less damage to adjacent tissues. In addition, many laser procedures avoid extensive flap retraction and significant gingival trauma, making it a minimally invasive alternative. In view of the above, it is concluded that both techniques proved to be efficient, however some advantages were observed when using the high power laser to perform this procedure, although it has the disadvantage for the professional because it is a high cost equipment.