An experimental pathologic study of gingivectomy using dual-wavelength laser equipment with OPO

Abstract

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate how soft tissues respond to treatment by a tunable laser with an optical parametric oscillating (OPO) mechanism capable of simultaneously emitting two wavelengths. Materials and Methods: Marginal gingiva of dogs was incised by a prototype laser oscillator. The oscillator was set at two wavelengths known to effectively incise tissue and arrest hemorrhage with minimal invasiveness. Four laser irradiation conditions were set based on different combinations of the 1.67 and 2.94 μm wavelengths. The animals were sacrificed immediately after surgery, 7 days after surgery, and 28 days after surgery for histological examination. Results: When irradiation at 1.67 and 2.94 μm wavelengths was simultaneously applied, the former conferred an observable hemostatic effect and the latter incised the tissue. Wound healing was similar to that in conventional methods and no serious inflammation was observed. Conclusion: Simultaneous irradiation at wavelengths of 1.67 and 2.94 μm can be an effective method in soft tissue surgery. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.