Analgesic and healing effects of diode laser on recurring aphthosis

OBJECTIVE: One of the most frequent pathologies of the oral cavity is recurring aphthous stomatitis (RAS). This multifactor immunologic inflammatory lesion causes patient discomfort, and treatment is controversial because of its unknown etiology. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of Diode Laser on the control of pain and the repair of RAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 patients with RAS (both sexes, mean age 34 years, no smoing) were divided into an experimental group of 15 patients treated with Diode Laser and a control group treated with a topical corticoid agent . The first group was treated with diode laser with wavelength of 670 nm, 50 mW, 3 J/cm(2) per point in daily sessions (once per day) on consecutive days. The second group received conventional treatment with triamcinolone acetonide 4 times per day. Both treatments were applied until the disappearance of the lesions. Pain intensity before and after treatment and clinical measurement of lesion size were determined daily for all patients. RESULTS: The results revealed that 81% of the patients reported a reduction in pain in the same session after laser treatment, and total regression of the lesion occurred after 4 days. Total regression in the corticoid group was from 4 to 7 days. CONCLUSION: The use of diode laser demonstrated analgesic and healing effects on recurring aphthous stomatitis.