Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment by Erbium:YAG Laser Promotes Regression of Gingival Overgrowth in Patient Taking Cyclosporine A: A Case Report

Evaluation of the Disinfection Efficacy of Er-YAG Laser Light on Single-Species Candida Biofilms: Systematic Review

The relevance of the current study is to increase the resistance of fungal biofilms to traditional disinfection methods. The aim of the study was to determine how effectively Er:YAG laser light inhibits single-species Candida biofilms. The study involved a systematic review of 57 scientific publications (2015-2024) selected according to specific criteria, followed by an assessment of quantitative and qualitative indicators of colony-forming unit reduction. The results show that under optimal parameters (power 1.5-3.9 W and duration 60-90 s), the Er:YAG laser can reduce the number of viable Candida albicans cells by an average of 70-90%, and when combined with sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine solutions, this figure can exceed 90%. Separate in vitro tests show that Candida glabrata and Candida tropicalis require higher power or longer exposure to achieve a similar effect, while the use of the Er:YAG laser on titanium and dental surfaces minimizes damage to the substrate and effectively removes the biofilm matrix. In addition, laser treatment accelerates tissue regeneration and helps reduce the number of cases of reinfection, which is confirmed by the positive dynamics in clinical practice. Data analysis using confocal microscopy and microbiological seeding indicates a significant disruption of the biofilm structure and increased permeability to antimycotics after laser exposure. Er:YAG laser disinfection method is promising in counteracting fungal biofilms, especially for surfaces with a high risk of microbial colonization. The practical value lies in the possibility of developing standard protocols for the clinical use of the laser, which will increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of Candidal lesions.

Complications and treatment errors in periodontal therapy in medically compromised patients

Patients who are medically compromised may be at an increased risk of complications and treatment errors following periodontal therapy. A review of the evidence on the topic is presented, in relation to the type of complication reported, of periodontal treatment, and of patients' medical status. Further, a framework for risk assessment and appropriate treatment modifications is introduced, with the aim of facilitating the management of patients with existing comorbidities and reducing the incidence of treatment complications.

Laser-Assisted Gingivectomy to Treat Gummy Smile

Excessive gingival display (EGD) is the extensive exposure of the gingiva during a smile. It is a common concern among patients, which may compromise the esthetic outcome of the dental treatment. Dental lasers demonstrate several advantages for soft tissue dental surgery compared with conventional surgical methods related to their technical characteristics. Owing to the excellent coagulation, especially of the surgical lasers, reduced to no need of anesthesia or suturing and faster healing, they demonstrate optimal clinical results. Nevertheless, good knowledge of laser-tissue interaction is required to obtain the best predictable results without gingival recession or bone tissue damage.

Minimally invasive (flapless) crown lengthening by erbium:YAG laser in aesthetic zone

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure aimed at exposure of a larger tooth surface by gingivectomy alone or with cortical bone remodelling for aesthetic purposes in the anterior zone of the maxilla or for reconstruction of teeth affected by subgingival caries. We report two cases of crown lengthening in the anterior maxilla for aesthetic purposes by gingival and bone re-contouring performed by erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (erbium:YAG) laser. As highlighted in this report, the erbium:YAG laser-assisted crown lengthening is less invasive and also leads to faster clinical outcomes in contrast to the conventional surgical technique by scalpel incision, flap elevation and osteoplastic.

Oral and Maxillo-Facial Manifestations of Systemic Diseases: An Overview

Many systemic (infective, genetic, autoimmune, neoplastic) diseases may involve the oral cavity and, more generally, the soft and hard tissues of the head and neck as primary or secondary localization. Primary onset in the oral cavity of both pediatric and adult diseases usually represents a true challenge for clinicians; their precocious detection is often difficult and requires a wide knowledge but surely results in the early diagnosis and therapy onset with an overall better prognosis and clinical outcomes. In the current paper, as for the topic of the current Special Issue, the authors present an overview on the most frequent clinical manifestations at the oral and maxillo-facial district of systemic disease.

Diode Laser Management of Primary Extranasopharyngeal Angiofibroma Presenting as Maxillary Epulis: Report of a Case and Literature Review

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare vascular neoplasm, mostly occurring in adolescent males, and representing 0.05% of all head and neck tumors. Nevertheless, it is usually recognized as the most common benign mesenchymal neoplasm of the nasopharynx. Usually, it originates from the posterolateral wall of the nasopharynx and, although histologically benign, classically shows a locally aggressive behavior with bone destruction as well as spreading through natural foramina and/or fissures to the nasopharynx, nasal and paranasal cavities, spheno-palatine foramen, infratemporal fossa and, very rarely, to the cranial cavity. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma is considered a distinct entity due to older age at presentation, different localizations (outside the nasopharyngeal pterygopalatine fossa) and attenuated clinical course. Extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma has been sporadically described in the oral cavity. We report a case of extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma with primary and exclusive involvement of the adherent gingiva of the anterior maxilla, managed by preoperative diode laser trans-mucosal photocoagulation and subsequent surgical removal. The current literature on primary extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma is also reviewed.

Minimally invasive (flapless) crown lengthening by erbium:YAG laser in aesthetic zone

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure aimed at exposure of a larger tooth surface by gingivectomy alone or with cortical bone remodelling for aesthetic purposes in the anterior zone of the maxilla or for reconstruction of teeth affected by subgingival caries. We report two cases of crown lengthening in the anterior maxilla for aesthetic purposes by gingival and bone re-contouring performed by erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (erbium:YAG) laser. As highlighted in this report, the erbium:YAG laser-assisted crown lengthening is less invasive and also leads to faster clinical outcomes in contrast to the conventional surgical technique by scalpel incision, flap elevation and osteoplastic.

An Overview of Diode Laser-Assisted Oral Surgery

Among all lasers with generally accepted surgical capabilities, the diode laser is most commonly used for the surgical removal of proliferating lesions and the photocoagulation of venous malformations of the oral cavity. The laser provides several advantages for clinicians, including an absence of intraoperative bleeding and no need for stitches. The laser benefits patients because it reduces postoperative edema and pain, with fast mucosal restoration during healing by second intention. We report a case series to highlight the capabilities of the diode laser in oral surgery procedures along with our suggestions.

Diode Laser Excision of Blandin-Nuhn Mucocele

The glands of Blandin and Nuhn are mixed mucous and serous glands that are embedded within the musculature of the anterior tongue ventrum. The differential diagnosis for lesions in that area is often challenging and includes other salivary and nonsalivary lesions. This affects decision-making, surgical management, and measures to prevent complications. Unlike conventional cold blade surgery, diode laser use may simplify such treatment.

Clinical Outcomes of Diode Laser Treatment of Ankyloglossia in Children and Young Adults: A Report of Two Cases

Lingual frenectomy/frenotomy is a relatively safe procedure for removing the lingual frenulum when it is thick, very tight, and/or restricting tongue movements, especially in children. Among all treatment options, diode laser surgery is the most effective. We present two cases wherein diode laser surgery was safe, with a near-total absence of intraoperative bleeding.

Laser Vestibuloplasty for Peri-implant Gingiva Implementation in the Atrophic Mandible of a Medically Compromised Patient

Despite the good clinical outcomes of the conventional technique of vestibulopasty performed with a scalpel, patients frequently perceive pain and discomfort after surgery. Diode laser use in oral surgery is, instead, well tolerated as it is mini-invasive and with a very low occurrence of post-surgical complications. In addition, the lack of bleeding during surgery and the reduced/absent post-surgical edema makes diode laser surgery the most suitable for medically compromised patients. We report a case of vestibuloplasty performed by diode laser in a patient on therapy with warfarin and without drug discontinuation.

Diode Laser Photocoagulation of Oral Venous Malformations in Patients on Anticoagulant Therapy Without Drug Discontinuation

The diode laser is widely used for the treatment of venous malformations of the oral cavity nowadays. Anticoagulant therapy is usually modified or suspended in patients needing oral surgery, especially for vascular lesion treatment. We report a case series of venous malformations in patients on anticoagulant therapy treated by diode laser photocoagulation without drug discontinuation.