Soft tissue Laser Applications in Pediatrics
There are many applications for pediatric soft tissue laser procedures in oral surgery , oral pathology, periodontology and orthodontics — including frenectomies, frenotomies, operculectomies, gingivectomies, and treatment of aphthous and herpetic lesions. Ankyloglossia of the infant is a common and well-studied condition in which the attachment of the lingual frenum is at the tip of the tongue. This is most common in boys, with a reported incidence of 4% to 5%. Ankyloglossia and restriction of tongue movement can result in poor breastfeeding and maternal nipple pain. Research shows that frenotomy can reduce maternal nipple pain, although the effect on breastfeeding quality has not been consistently proven. Frenotomy involves administering local anesthesia and using two instruments — such as a mosquito or hemostat — in a V shape to protect structures in the sublingual area, including the lingual nerve and Wharton’s duct. A scalpel, laser or elec...