The CO2 laser in stomatology. Part 2

Abstract

The second part of this review presents and discusses evidence in the recent literature for the application of the CO2 laser for the therapy of stomatologic lesions. Clinical outcomes and complications for the use of the CO2 laser are presented for the following stomatological conditions: leukoplakia, lichen planus, benign soft-tissue and salivary gland tumors, reactive soft tissue changes (i.e., fibroepithelial polyps), recurrent aphthous stomatitis, drug-induced gingival hyperplasia, mucous extravasation and mucous retention cysts, herpes simplex virus-induced lesions, maxillary midline frenum, and ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). This review outlines indications in which the CO2 laser is the treatment method of choice and in which situations the laser has still to be applied with caution.