Treatment of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis with 940nm Diode Laser

Background & objectives: Ulcers in the mouth (recurrent aphthous stomatitis) are very common and may vary in size from very small to very large. The exact cause of mouth ulcers isn’t known but acidic foods and stress are thought to be factors, as well as local traumatic damage such as that caused vigorous toothbrushing. Although uncomfortable, small ulcers are tolerable, but large ulcers can last for up to 2 weeks and greatly affect the ability to eat, drink and even talk. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of treatment of recurrent aphthous stomatitis by application of 940 nm diode laser irradiation & its effect on the duration and pain sensation. Materials and methods: A total number of 32 patients having at least 2 ulcers for each. Those patients were enrolled in this study using a split mouth design. The study included two groups, The experimental (study group) consisted of thirty two ulcers ( in the 32 patients ) were subjected to 940 nm laser irradiation & control group comprised of thirty two ulcers ( in the same 32 patients ) left without laser irradiation. Pain scores were recorded before and after laser treatment. The patient subjected to follow-up visits until complete healing of the ulcers occurred. Results: There were immediate changes in the pain scores of the experimental group just after diode laser application. The duration of the control group lesions ranged between (7-14) days, while the lesion in the experimental group subsided with a range between (4-12) days. Conclusion: 1.Single session of diode laser irradiation can be used to produceimmediate, dramatic and sustained analgesic effect on RAS lesion.2.The lesion duration was significantly reduced to about 40%from that of control lesion.