Diode laser surgery versus electrocautery in the treatment of inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia: a randomized double-blind clinical trial

Objectives To compare the efficacy and safety of diode laser and electrocautery techniques for inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia (IFH) removal. Materials and methods In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 40 individuals were randomly allocated to two groups: group 1 (G1) consisted of 20 individuals assigned to treatment with diode laser and group 2 (G2) consisted of 20 individuals assigned to treatment with electrocautery. The following transoperative parameters were evaluated: bleeding, temperature, and surgical technique parameters (energy deposited on tissue, flow rate, and time of incision). The postoperative parameters evaluated were as follows: pain, functional alterations (chewing, speaking), analgesic medication intake, swelling, healing of the wound area, and patient satisfaction. Results Among the 40 individuals included in the study, four (two in G1 and two in G2) did not complete the entire follow-up. Therefore, 36 individuals (18 in G1 and 18 in G2) participated. Participants in G1 and in G2 had similar demographic characteristics. No difference regarding the trans- or postoperative parameters evaluated was observed between G1 and G2 ( p > 0.05). Also, no difference regarding the time for healing was observed between groups. Conclusions Diode laser seems to be as effective and safe as electrocautery when applied under similar conditions for IFH removal. Clinical relevance IFH corresponds to 65% of the lesions observed in denture wearers. This study shows that under similar conditions diode laser is as effective and safe as electrocautery for removal of IFH.