The Role of CO2 Laser in the Intraoral Management of Submandibular Sialoliths: A Clinical Perspective

Background: The term sialolithiasis refers to the condition in which a major or minor salivary gland's duct contains one or more calcified structures. Carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers have recently emerged as a minimally invasive option for intraoral therapy of submandibular sialoliths. CO2 lasers minimize postoperative discomfort, scarring, and recovery time by allowing for precision lithotomy with minimum harm to surrounding tissues. Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine the literature and report on two surgical cases of submandibular sialolithiasis treated with carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. The calculi in both cases were palpable intraorally and were situated in the distal portion of the submandibular duct. Under local anesthesia, surgery was done in an outpatient environment. To uncover and remove the calculi, a CO2 laser was used to make a linear incision in the floor of the mouth at the Wharton's duct opening. Results: In a matter of minutes, the stone was extracted from both patients, resulting in full recovery and no unusual bleeding, nerve damage, or problems with the sublingual glands. Conclusion: We describe the benefits and efficacy of the CO2 laser in two patients who had successful surgical excision of significant salivary stones.