Reproducibility and comparison between methods for gingival color evaluation: a validation study

Aim This study aims to evaluate and validate the sensibility and the level of agreement between different gingival color measures obtained by a spectrophotometer (SPECTRO) and a photography (PHOTO) method. Methods Among 40 patients, the color was measured 2 mm apical to the gingival margin by CIE L*, a*, b* system using a reflectance spectrophotometer and the photography's plus software. The level of agreement between three different measures (m1, m2, m3) in parameters L*, a*, b*, and ∆E (color variation) was evaluated by random and systematic errors, as well as the limits and coefficient of concordance. A comparison between the methods was performed by the Bland-Altman test and the sensibility level was evaluated accordingly to the ∆E: 3.7 thresholds with p<0.05 as the level of significance for these comparisons. Results The SPECTRO method has not presented the systematic error (p>0.05) and had reproducibly and agreement level in three variable measures L* (r: 0.6), a* (r: 0.3), and b* (r: 0.5) as to the PHOTO method L* (r: 0.6), a* (r: 0.5), and b* (r: 0.5), which presented systematic error in L* values (p<0.05). The means of ∆E between measurements were: 6.5 SPECTRO and 5.9 PHOTO. There was no good level of sensitivity ∆E> 3.7 and agreement between the methods, mainly for the a* values. On the other hand, for the L* and in for the most comparisons of b* values, the level of agreement was higher. Conclusion Both methods could quantify the gingival color from the coordinates L *, a *, and b *, which has shown greater reliability between the measurements acquired by the SPECTRO method.

Clinical Outcomes and Gingival Blood Flowmetry of Two Types of Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft for Root Coverage in Multiple Gingival Recessions: A Preliminary Study.

This randomized split-mouth preliminary clinical trial aimed to evaluate periodontal parameters and gingival blood flowmetry, comparing sites that received subepithelial connective tissue graft from the palate after deepithelialization (DE) or obtained with parallel incision (PI). Periodontal parameters were evaluated at baseline and 6 months postoperative. Gingival blood flows were analyzed by laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) at baseline and 2, 7, and 14 days postoperative. Statistical and LDF analyses were performed with R version 3.5.1 and MATLAB software, and clinical parameters through ANOVA and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. LDF showed superior decrease in power spectral density (PSD) for DE after 2 days. After 7 days, PSD returned to initial values only for PI, and DE had not returned to the initial values by day 14. Despite major initial revascularization challenges for DE sites, both grafts promoted satisfactory root coverage in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions.

Laser and LED photobiomodulation effects in osteogenic or regular medium on rat calvaria osteoblasts obtained by newly forming bone technique.

The purposes of this study are to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) with laser and LED on rat calvaria osteoblasts (rGO lineage), cultured in osteogenic (OST) or regular (REG) medium, after induction of a quiescent state and to test if PBM is capable of osteogenic induction and if there is a sum of effects when combining OST medium with PBM. Before irradiation, the cells were put in a quiescent state (1% FBS) 24 h, when red (AlGaInP-660 nm) and infrared laser (GaAlAs-808 nm) and LED (637 ± 15 nm) were applied. The groups were as follows: red laser (RL3-5 J/cm2, 3 s and RL5-8.3 J/cm2, 5 s, 1.66 W/cm2); infrared laser (IrL3-5 J/cm2, 3 s and IrL5-8.3 J/cm2, 5 s); LED (LED3-3 s and LED5-5 s, 0.02 J/cm2, 0.885 W/cm2); positive (C+, 10% FBS) and negative control (C-, 1% FBS). For alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralization assays, the cells were cultured in REG (DMEM 10% FBS) and OST medium (DMEM 10% FBS, 50 µg/mL ascorbic acid, 10 mM ß-glycerophosphate). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). RL5 and LED5 increased proliferation, in vitro wound closure, ALP, and mineralization in rGO cells (p < 0.05). PBM with red laser and LED induced mineralization by itself, without osteogenic medium, not observed for infrared laser (p < 0.05). A sum of effects was observed in osteogenic medium and PBM by infrared, red laser, and LED (5 s). Red laser and LED increased proliferation, migration, and secretory phases in rGO cells in a dose-dependent manner. PBM with red laser and LED promotes osteogenic induction by itself. PBM with infrared laser and osteogenic medium potentializes mineralization.

Late complications after root coverage with two types of subepithelial connective tissue grafts, clinical and histopathological evaluation: A prospective cohort study.

AIM: This prospective cohort study evaluated late complications (LC) on recipient sites comparing two types of connective tissue grafts (CTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants (n: 60) were treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) plus CTG harvested by de-epithelialized technique (DE) (n:31) or two-parallel incision (PI) (n:29). Areas were evaluated to identify white discharge associated or not with gingival cul-de-sac. Patients were ordered in groups with (DE+and PI+) or without (DE- and PI-) LC. Biopsies for histopathological analysis in LC areas were proposed. RESULTS: Six cases exhibited LC, 5 in DE graft (DE+) and 1 in PI graft (PI+) group; 2 were diagnosed at 3 months postoperatively, 3 at 6 months and one at 12 months. The relative risk for LC was 1.7 times greater for DE graft (p: 0.01; CI: 1.10 to 2.72; RR>1). Differences were not observed for clinical outcomes after both types of CTGs (p > 0.05). Biopsies showed deep invagination of the epithelial lining suggesting cyst-like area/ cavity with keratin content and consolidated in fibrous connective tissue. After 24 months biopsied areas presented no recurrence of LC, in non-biopsied patients the clinical condition remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the limitations of this study, LC on recipient sites demonstrated no statistical difference between two types of CTG.

The influence of implant surface roughness on decontamination by antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and chemical agents: A preliminary study in vitro.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this preliminary study was to analyze the effectiveness of three different protocols of decontamination on five commercial moderate rough implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The types of implants investigated were: Neoporos Drive CM (CM; Neodent®), Drive CM Acqua (ACQ; Neodent®), SLActive (SLA; Straumann®), Osseotite (OT; Biomet 3i®) and Nanotite (NT; Biomet 3i®). Implant surface properties (n = 2/type of implant; control groups) were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images to determine surface roughness parameters (SRP) and energy disperse X-ray spectrometry to determine the chemical composition. Implants were then inoculated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetencomitans in vitro (n = 6/type of implant;experimental groups) and the contaminated areas were determined in SEM images (500x magnifications). Decontamination of implants was performed in duplicate by three protocols: antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), EDTA associated with citric acid (EDTA + CA) and 0.12 % chlorhexidine (CHX). The remaining contaminated area (rCtA) was determined in SEM images (500x magnifications). All quantitative analysis through SEM images were analyzed in ImageJ® software for two-dimensional parameters. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in SRP among implants (control group), except for Rv (lowest valley) between SLA vs. OT (p=0.0031; Kruskal Wallis post hoc Dunn). NT implants showed highest contaminated area vs. ACQ implants (68.19 % ± 8.63 % and 57.32 % ± 5.38 %, respectively; p = 0.0016, Tukey's test). SRP after decontamination showed statistical difference for Ra (arithmetical mean deviation) for all decontamination groups when compared to control (p < 0.05; ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's multiple comparisons test), only CM implants showed statistical difference when compared decontamination protocols to control with highest modification of SRP for EDTA + AC group. For decontamination analysis, for applicability of different protocols in the same type of implant, only SLA showed statistical significant difference for aPDT vs. EDTA + CA (p = 0.0114; ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's multiple comparisons test) with lowest rCTA for aPDT, however for ACQ implants the aPDT showed lowest rCTA with no statistical difference (p > 0.05; ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey's multiple comparisons test). No statistical difference was observed between the decontamination protocols at other implant types. CONCLUSION: It can be suggested that the chemical-physical characteristics of dental implants can be effected by the process of contamination and decontamination by aPDT and chemical agents.

Residual decontamination chemical agents negatively affect adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells on implant surface.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of implant surface decontaminated and uncontaminated on osteoblast-like cell adhesion and proliferation MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercially available implants of different brands and surface characteristics were selected: Biomet 3i® Nanotite (NT) and Osseotite (OT), Straumann® SLActive (SLA), and Neodent® Acqua Drive (ACQ) and Neoporos Drive CM (CM). Physical and chemical properties of the implants were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and wettability analysis (WETT). Implants were previously contaminated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains; after that, samples were decontaminated by different chemical methods. Decontaminated (test group; n = 15/type of implant) and uncontaminated (control group; n = 5/type of implant) samples were analyzed according to the number of human osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2) adhered on the implant surface after 24 h and 72 h in SEM images. RESULTS: ACQ was found to be highly hydrophilic, and NT was the most hydrophobic implant. Increased variation of Saos-2 cell adhesion and proliferation were observed on all test and control groups. Controversially, at the proliferation analysis in 72 h, CM implant was the only implant that showed no significant difference between test and group (p = 0.2833; Tukey's multiple comparisons test). NT implants showed the greater value of cell proliferation when compared with all types of implant surface (p = 0.0002; Tukey's multiple comparisons test). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that decontaminated surfaces were able to impair the counting of osteoblast-like cell adhesion and proliferation.

Uso de agentes antimicrobianos como solução refrigerante no ultrassom para tratamento das doenças periodontais: uma revisão de literatura / The use of antimicrobial agents as a cooling solution in ultrasound devices for periodontal diseases treatment: a literature review

Objetivo: revisar a literatura quanto ao uso de soluções no reservatório líquido do ultrassom (US) para o tratamento das doenças periodontais, avaliando as contribuições dessa associação e as soluções mais eficazes para essa terapêutica. Métodos: foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica nas bases de dados Public Medline (PubMed), Lilacs, Science Direct e ISI web of knowledge. As palavras-chave utilizadas foram: "periodontal disease", "ultrasonic", "cooling solution", "antimicrobial" e "irrigation". Como critérios de inclusão, foram selecionados estudos prospectivos, retrospectivos, caso controle, transversal e relatos de casos, publicados em inglês. Resultados: após pesquisa e minuciosa revisão por título e resumo de cada estudo, 15 estudos foram selecionados para avaliação dos desfechos investigados. As principais soluções associadas ao US foram povidono-iodo (PVPI), clorexidina, óleos essenciais, bicarbonato de sódio. O irrigante mais utilizado foi o PVPI, seguido por clorexidina e óleos essenciais. Os agentes podem conferir discretas melhoras no nível clínico de inserção e profundidade de sondagem, porém os resultados são controversos, já que nem todos os ensaios demonstraram efeitos positivos. Uma importante evidência observada foi em relação à redução dos níveis de microrganismos derivados do aerossol do US quando essas substâncias foram utilizadas no reservatório de água, sendo esse um aspecto positivo de seu uso como solução refrigerante ao US. Considerações finais: de modo geral, não puderam ser confirmados benefícios adicionais dos irrigantes antimicrobianos nos principais parâmetros periodontais avaliados, porém não se pode descartar o potencial uso desses agentes para a redução da dispersão de microrganismos advindos do aerossol, promovendo assim maior proteção ao paciente e ao profissional.(AU)

Objective: to review the literature regarding the use of solutions in the liquid ultrasonic (US) reservoir devices for the treatment of periodontal diseases, evaluating the benefits of this association, and the most effective solution for this therapy. Methods: bibliographic research was carried out in the Public Medline (PubMed), Lilacs, Science Direct, and ISI web of knowledge databases. The keywords used were: "periodontal disease", "ultrasonic", "cooling solution", "antimicrobial", and "irrigation". Inclusion criteria were prospective, retrospective, case-control, cross-sectional studies, and case reports published in English. Results: after a meticulous analysis of each paper by title and summary, 15 studies were selected for further investigation of clinical outcomes. The main solutions associated with US devices as coolant were PVPI, Chlorhexidine, Essential Oils and Sodium Bicarbonate. The most used coolant agent was PVPI, followed by chlorhexidine and essential oils. It has been shown that irrigating solutions can provide improvements in the clinical attachment level and probing depth, but the results are controversial since not all trials showed positive effects. Important evidence observed was the reduction of the levels of microorganisms derived from the US aerosol when these substances were used as a cooling solution. Conclusions: in general, additional benefits of coolant solutions could not be confirmed in the main periodontal parameters evaluated, however, the potential use of these agents to reduce the dispersion of microorganisms derived from the aerosol cannot be ruled out, thus promoting additional protection to the patient and professional.(AU)

Evaluation of Regular Market Ethyl Cyanoacrylate Cytotoxicity for Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of cyanoacrylate adhesives in an indirect contact assay in human gingival fibroblast (FGH) and oral osteoblasts (GO) lineages. Methods: Cover glasses were glued with adhesives following the ISO 10993-2012 protocol. The groups were: C (control with cells and regular Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium; LC (liquid ethyl-cyanoacrylate); GC (ethyl-cyanoacrylate gel); EGC (easy gel [ethyl-cyanoacrylate]); and D (Dermabond [octyl-cyanoacrylate]). Each cell linage was plated in the sixth passage using 104 cells. Cell viability was measured by the MTT test at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance complemented by the Tukey test, with p < 0.05 being significant. Results: Dermabond stimulated osteoblast viability at 72 h (p < 0.05). All other groups were similar to the control cells (p > 0.05). For the fibroblasts, there was no difference in the groups, including the control except that EGC was cytotoxic for these cells (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ethyl-cyanoacrylate gel and liquid forms available on the general chemical market were not cytotoxic for oral osteoblasts and fibroblasts in most cases. However, the easy gel form was cytotoxic for fibroblasts.

Probióticos associados ao tratamento das doenças periodontais: revisão de literatura / Probiotics associated with the treatment of periodontal diseases: literature review

Objetivo: revisar a literatura sobre o tratamento dasdoenças periodontais associado a probióticos, identificandoas funcionalidades e os principais agentes microbianosempregados. Material e método: foi realizadabusca nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed e ScienceDirect, empregando os termos de busca probiotics eperiodontal diseases. Como critérios de inclusão, foramselecionadas pesquisas clínicas originais e ensaios clínicospublicados em português ou inglês. Resultados:após pesquisa e minuciosa revisão por título e resumode cada estudo, 40 ensaios clínicos randomizados foramselecionados para avaliação dos desfechos observados.Todos os estudos empregaram probióticos associadosa raspagem, alisamento e polimento coronorradicular.A cepa bacteriana mais utilizada é o Lactobacillus reuteri.Foi demonstrado que os probióticos conferem potencialauxilio ao tratamento das lesões periodontais.Embora os parâmetros avaliados nem sempre sejam beneficiadospelo tratamento, o uso dos microrganismosbenéficos reduziu a necessidade de intervenção cirúrgicaprincipalmente em pacientes com bolsas profundas.Considerações finais: A utilização dos probióticosse mostra segura e traz pequenos ganhos auxiliares notratamento das doenças que acometem o periodonto.Desenhos de estudos com rigor metodológico e amostrasrepresentativas são encorajados visando analisar etestar os benefícios desses agentes. (AU)

Objective: this study aimed to review the literature on the treatment of periodontal diseases associated with probiotics, identifying functionalities and the most used microbial agents. Material and method: a search was performed in the main electronic databases PubMed and Science Direct using the search terms "Probiotics" and "Periodontal diseases". The inclusion criteria were original clinical researches and clinical trials published in Portuguese and English. Results: after the research and meticulous revision for the title and abstract of each study, 40 randomized clinical trials were selected for evaluation of the outcomes observed. All studies used probiotics associated with scaling and crown-root planning and polishing. The most used bacterial strain was Lactobacillus reuteri. It was shown that probiotics provide potential assistance for the treatment of periodontal lesions. Although the parameters evaluated are not always favored by the treatment, the use of the beneficial microorganisms reduced the need for surgical intervention, especially in patients with deep pockets. Final considerations: the use of probiotics is safe and promotes small additional improvements in the treatment of periodontal diseases affecting the periodontium. Study designs with methodological rigor and representative samples are encouraged, aiming to analyze and test the benefits of such microbial agents. (AU)

Bone Graft and Substitutes Associated with Titanium Dome for Vertical Bone Formation in Osseointegrated Implants: Histomorphometric Analysis in Dogs.

PURPOSE: This animal study investigated vertical bone formation (VBF) around implants and used histomorphometric analysis to compare different bone-filling materials associated with a massive titanium dome as a tissue barrier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven dogs were submitted to surgical procedures with extraoral access to the lower edge of the mandible, and four implants were semi-inserted in each animal. Each implant received one treatment: autogenous bone with clot (AB), control clot (C), synthetic graft (Biogran [BG]), or xenograft (Bio-Oss [BO]). Massive titanium domes were stabilized over the implants. Histologic analysis was performed after 3 months, and quantitative aspects were evaluated in extraosseous and intraosseous threads on Image Pro-Plus software. RESULTS: VBF around implants exhibited significant values in AB compared with other groups. BG and BO presented statistical equivalency to AB and C in the apposition and filling of extraosseous threads. There was no difference between groups for parameters evaluated in intraosseous threads. CONCLUSION: The experimental model was valid for evaluation of VBF around implants placed in atrophic mandibles. Considering the limitations of this study, histomorphometric analysis evidenced better outcomes for group AB. Even though groups BG and BO presented worse outcomes than AB, they were slightly better compared with the control group.

Efeitos da fotobioestimulação por laser e LED nas células da granulação óssea / Photobiomodulation effects by laser and LED in osseous granulation cells

A fotobioestimulação por laser e LED é uma tendência terapêutica inovadora e não invasiva. Os efeitos fotofísicos e fotoquímicos dessa terapia geram imunomodulação, aceleram a cicatrização e angiogênese, bem como reduzem a dor. Dessa forma tem se buscado o emprego desses estímulos no tecido ósseo, porém ainda inexistem padrões definidos para obter a melhor fotobioestimulação nas células ósseas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade da fotobioestimulação na viabilidade celular e mineralização de células da granulação óssea de ratos (rGO). Células rGO na 6ª passagem foram plaqueadas em placas de 96 poços para os ensaios de viabilidade celular (1x10³) e em placas de 24 poços para os ensaios de cicatrização de feridas in vitro (1x104), mineralização e atividade da fosfatase alcalina (FALC) (4x104). As células receberam DMEM (10% SFB) e irradiações com laser (AlGaAs- 660nm e AlGaInP-810nm) e LED (637±15nm). Os grupos experimentais foram: laser vermelho (3 e 5 J/cm²), laser infravermelho (3 e 5 J/cm²) e LED (3 e 5s), além dos grupos controles, positivo (C+) e negativo (C-, 1%SFB). Para os ensaios de mineralização e atividade de fosfatase alcalina, além do meio convencional, grupos com meio osteogênico e os mesmos tratamentos luminosos foram acrescentados. A viabilidade celular foi avaliada pelos testes do MTT e cristal violeta nos períodos de 24, 48, 72 e 96h. O ensaio de cicatrização de feridas in vitro foi avaliado por meio da porcentagem da área de fechamento da ferida nos períodos de 12, 24, 36, 48h. O teste de mineralização foi feito por meio do teste com vermelho de alizarina nos períodos de 14, 21 e 28 dias enquanto que a atividade da FALC foi medida em 7, 14 e 21 dias. A análise estatística foi realizada através dos testes ANOVA complementados por Tukey (p<0,05). Os resultados mostraram que as terapias com luz de maneira geral aumentaram a viabilidade o fechamento da ferida in vitro, principalmente os grupos laser vermelho e LED5s (p<0,05). Pode-se observar um bom desempenho do grupo LED5s no ensaio de mineralização, onde nos grupos que receberam meio osteogênico houve um efeito somatório com a ação da fotobioestimulação promovendo maior produção de nódulos in vitro. Também, as terapias com luz, estimularam a produção de nódulos mineralizados nos grupos que receberam meio convencional de forma a superar o C+ osteogênico (p<0,05), denotando uma ação de indução osteogênica a partir da fotobioestimulação. A fosfatase alcalina foi estimulada pelos tratamentos com luz no período de 7 dias (p<0,05). Em conclusão, as terapias com laser e LED foram capazes de estimular a viabilidade e migração celular e eventos de mineralização em osteoblastos, sendo que o laser vermelho e LED promoveram os melhores resultados.(AU)

Photobiomodulation by laser and LED is a new therapeutic non-invasive trend. Photophysical and photochemical effects occur in immunomodulation, acceleration of wound healing and angiogenesis and reduction of pain. These effects are desired in bone tissue but there are no defined parameters for light irradiation and no consensus for the best effect on osseous cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate photobiomodulation effects on cell viability and mineralization events of rat osseous granulation cells (rGO). Cells in 6th passage were plated in 96-well plates for viability tests (1x10³ cells), and 24-well plates for in vitro wound healing test (1x104 cells), mineralization and alkaline phosphatases (AF) activity (4x104 cells). Cells were cultured in DMEM (10% bovine fetal serum) and irradiation with lasers (AlGaAs-660nm e AlGaInP-810nm) and LED (637±15nm). Experimental groups were red laser (3 and 5 J/cm²), infrared laser (3 and 5 J/cm²), LED (3 and 5s), positive(C+) and negative controls (C-, 1% bovine fetal serum). For mineralization and AF assays, other groups with osteogenic medium and same light treatments were added. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT and crystal violet tests at 24, 48, 72 and 96h. In vitro wound healing test evaluated the percentage of wound closure area by cells migration at 12, 24, 36, 48h. Mineralization test was done by alizarin red at 14, 21 and 28 days. AF activity was measured at 7, 14 and 21 days. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA complemented by Tukeys test (p<0,05). Results showed that light therapies in general increased viability and wound healing closure, mostly red laser and LED5s (p<0,05). Best results in mineralization stimulation were observed for LED5s. In groups with osteogenic medium, a synergistic effect of photobiomodulation resulted in higher numbers of mineral nodules. Light groups stimulated higher mineral nodule formation than positive control (p>0.05) even in groups with regular medium, showing an osteogenic induction by light. Increased AF activity was observed at 7 days in light treatment groups (p<0,05). In conclusion, laser and LED photobiostimulation increased viability, cell migration and mineralization events in osteoblasts with best results for red laser and LED.(AU)

Vantagens da frenectomia labial por laser de diodo de alta intensidade / Advantages of lip frenectomy with high-intensity diode laser ­ a case report

Existem condições clínicas em Periodontia na qual o freio labial está posicionado de forma penetrante nas papilas gengivais, ficando muito próximo à margem gengival, podendo predispor ao desenvolvimento de recessões gengivais. Também pode ocorrer dificuldade de higienização, infl amação persistente, restrição no movimento labial, interferência fonética e agravos estéticos, além de dificultar o fechamento de diastemas. Muitas vezes, é indicada a remoção cirúrgica de freios labiais utilizando lâminas de bisturi e, mais recentemente, o laser de alta intensidade. O laser, ao ser absorvido pelos tecidos, gera a vaporização e sublimação, resultando em corte e exérese, além de atuar como auxiliar na cicatrização, provavelmente através da bioestimulação. Seu meio ativo promove a vaporização completa e a coagulação nos tecidos, sem gerar propagação do aquecimento. Há maior controle da hemorragia transoperatória, resultando em um procedimento cirúrgico limpo, frequentemente dispensando suturas, facilitando a visibilidade, execução e remoção do freio labial. O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar as vantagens do laser cirúrgico de alta intensidade (Nd:YAG; 808 nm; 1,2 W; 20 pps; 126 J) a partir de um relato de caso clínico de frenectomia realizada em uma paciente do sexo feminino, com 34 anos de idade, que apresenta freio labial persistente associado a diastema interincisal superior. O procedimento cirúrgico com laser de alta intensidade em tecidos moles apresentou algumas vantagens, como a redução do tempo cirúrgico, de morbidade e sintomatologia pós-operatórias.

There are clinical conditions in periodontics where the labia frenulum is deeply positioned into the gingival papillae getting very close to the gingival margins, predisposing the development of recessions, causing difficulties for cleaning, with persistent infl ammation, lip movement restrictions, phonetic interference, esthetic alteration, besides preventing diastema closure. Oftentimes, removal with a surgical blade or high-intensity lasers is recommended. The laser is absorbed by the tissues generating vaporization and sublimation which results in cutting and excision, and increased improved healing possibly due to its bio-stimulatory effect. Its active medium promotes complete tissue vaporization and coagulation, without heat propagation, control of the intraoperative bleeding and a clean surgery that often does not require sutures. This facilitates visibility, execution and removal of the labial frenulum. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the surgical benefi ts of the high-intensity laser (Nd:YAG; 808 nm; 1.2 W; 20 pps; 126 J) in a case report of frenectomy for a 34 years-old female patient presenting persistent inter-incisal diastema associated with an atypical labial frenulum. The soft tissue laser therapy has the advantage of reduced clinical time and still not promoting edema, with minimal postoperative pain and side effects.