Diode laser in synergy with pharmacological therapy in treatment of OSMF

Abstract

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) leads to progressive limitation in the opening of the mouth and protrusion of the tongue, thus causing difficulty in eating, swallowing, and phonation. The treatment modalities include both pharmacological and surgical modes of treatment. To achieve adequate mouth opening, the complete release of fibrotic tissue is essential. Pharmacological therapy is useful only in the initial stages while surgical therapy is used in later stages of the disease. Incising the fibrotic tissue with a conventional blade or electrocautery can cause further fibrosis. Laser excision comparatively leads to lesser intraoperative bleeding hence better vision, faster healing of tissues, and least or no post-operative scarring.