Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in terms of enhancing wound healing, reducing free gingival graft (FGG) shrinkage and postoperative pain.
Materials and methods: Thirty patients were randomly assigned to receive either FGG + LLLT (test, n = 15) or FGG + plasebo LLLT (control, n = 15). In the test group, a diode laser (810 nm, 0.1 W, energy density 6 J/cm2) was applied immediately after surgery and 1, 3, 7, and 14 days later. Measurements of the graft surface areas of the groups were made with an image-analyzing software at baseline and first, third, and sixth months. Complete wound epithelialization and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain score were evaluated after surgery.
Results: Shrinkage of the graft was statistically higher in the control than the test group at third and sixth months (p < 0.05). In terms of epithelization of the graft area, the test and control groups did not show any significant difference during the 28-day period (p > 0.05). Besides this, statistically significant differences were observed for VAS pain score and the number of analgesic used (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: The use of an 810-nm diode laser provided additional benefits to FGG in terms of less shrinkage of the graft dimensions and postoperative pain.
Clinical relevance: Low-level laser therapy reduced the shrinkage of free gingival graft's surface area after 6 months and enhanced postoperative pain relief.
Keywords: Free gingival graft; Low-level laser therapy; Shrinkage; Visual analogue scale.