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

Laser frenectomy is a minimally invasive soft-tissue surgical procedure in which a dental laser is used to excise or reposition an aberrant frenum (labial or lingual) to restore normal function and esthetics. Indications • High labial frenum causing midline diastema • Gingival recession due to frenum pull • Difficulty in oral hygiene maintenance • Interference with speech or mastication • Ankyloglossia (tongue-tie) • Pre-orthodontic or post-orthodontic correction Lasers Commonly Used • Diode laser (most common) • Nd:YAG laser • CO₂ laser • Er:YAG laser Procedure (Brief) 1. Topical or minimal local anesthesia 2. Laser excision of frenum fibers 3. Controlled tissue ablation with excellent hemostasis 4. No sutures required in most cases 5. Post-operative instructions Advantages • Bloodless surgical field • Minimal pain and swelling • No sutures or periodontal dressing • Reduced operative time • Faster healing • Better patient comfort and acceptance Healing • Initial healing: 5–7 days • Complete healing: 2–3 weeks

Alveoloplasty is a pre-prosthetic surgical procedure that involves reshaping and smoothing of the alveolar bone after tooth extraction or during ridge preparation to create a favorable ridge form for prosthetic rehabilitation. Indications • Sharp, irregular, or undercut alveolar ridges • Bony spicules following extraction • Preparation of ridge for complete or partial dentures • To improve denture stability, retention, and comfort • After multiple extractions Objectives • Smoothen sharp bony edges • Achieve rounded and well-contoured ridge • Improve denture support and patient comfort • Prevent mucosal trauma under prosthesis Types 1. Simple alveoloplasty • Performed at time of extraction 2. Secondary alveoloplasty • Performed after healing of extraction socket Procedure (Brief) 1. Local anesthesia 2. Mucoperiosteal flap reflection (if required) 3. Bone trimming using rongeur or bone file 4. Smoothening and contouring of alveolar ridge 5. Irrigation and suturing Advantages • Improves prosthesis fit • Reduces post-prosthetic soreness • Enhances long-term denture success • Simple and predictable procedure