Electrocautery

Electrocautery is a soft-tissue surgical technique in which high-frequency electric current is used to cut, coagulate, or remove oral soft tissues, providing effective hemostasis during dental procedures.

Principle

• Electrical current generates heat at the electrode tip

• Heat causes cellular destruction and coagulation of tissues

Indications

• Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty

• Crown lengthening (soft tissue only)

• Operculectomy

• Frenectomy

• Removal of gingival hyperplasia

• Hemostasis during oral surgery

Types

1. Monopolar electrocautery

2. Bipolar electrocautery

Advantages

• Excellent hemostasis

• Clear surgical field

• Reduced operative time

• Precise soft tissue cutting

• Useful in highly vascular areas