Comparative Evaluation for Labial Frenectomy: Insights into Healing, Pain, and Surgical Time Efficiency of Scalpel, Electrocautery, and Diode Laser Techniques

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the outcomes of healing, pain, and surgical time in labial frenectomy procedures using three different techniques: scalpel, electrocautery, and diode laser. Labial frenectomy is a common procedure to address abnormal frenum attachments, and each technique offers varying levels of efficacy and patient comfort. The study was conducted at Malla Reddy Dental College for Women & Hospital, Hyderabad, involving 15 patients aged 20 to 60. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups based on the technique used: scalpel, electrocautery, or diode laser. Healing was assessed using the clinical criteria developed by Landry, Turnbull, and Howley (1988), while pain levels were measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The surgical time for each procedure was also recorded. The diode laser technique showed superior outcomes across all parameters. Patients in the diode laser group experienced faster healing, lower pain levels, and the shortest surgical time (15 3.5 minutes) compared to the electrocautery (17 2.7 minutes) and scalpel (21 5.4 minutes) groups. Electrocautery exhibited slower healing and higher pain levels, while the scalpel method was the slowest in terms of procedure time. The study concluded that the diode laser is the most effective method for labial frenectomy, offering advantages in healing, pain reduction, and time efficiency. This technique can be considered the preferred option for clinicians aiming for better patient outcomes. Key Words Conentional Scalpel Technique,Diode Laser, Electrocautery, Labial frenectomy