Diode Laser – Assisted Vestibuloplasty: A Pre Prosthetic Surgical Approach – A Case Report

Abstract

Adequate vestibular depth plays a vital role in ensuring stability and retention of complete dentures, as insufficient sulcus depth can impair mastication, compromise comfort, and reduce patient satisfaction. Vestibuloplasty is a commonly employed pre-prosthetic surgical procedure to enhance sulcus depth and improve denture-bearing capacity. Conventional scalpel techniques, while effective, are frequently associated with intraoperative bleeding, the need for sutures, postoperative pain and edema, delayed healing, and relapse of vestibular depth. To overcome these drawbacks, laser-assisted approaches have been introduced in periodontal and pre-prosthetic surgery. Among various systems, diode lasers are increasingly utilized due to their compact design, precision in incision, excellent hemostatic properties, and favorable soft tissue interaction. Their application has been associated with improved intraoperative visibility, reduced morbidity, faster healing, and predictable outcomes. This case describes a 61-year-old male who reported with the chief complaint of loose-fitting complete dentures in both maxillary and mandibular arches. Clinical evaluation revealed inadequate vestibular depth, with preoperative measurements of 3 mm in the maxillary anterior & 4 mm in the maxillary posterior. In Mandible 4mm vestibular depth After obtaining informed consent, diode laser-assisted vestibuloplasty was planned to improve the denture foundation. Under local anesthesia with 2% lignocaine containing 1:80,000 adrenaline, a 980-nm diode laser was used to perform vestibular deepening in both arches. The procedure was accomplished with minimal bleeding, excellent operative control, and no requirement for suturing. The surgical site was irrigated with saline, protected with a periodontal dressing, and postoperative analgesics were prescribed. Healing occurred uneventfully by secondary intention, with the patient reporting minimal discomfort. At the 15-day follow-up, significant vestibular depth gain was observed, with 6 mm in the maxilla and 7 mm in the mandible. At one month, a new set of complete dentures was fabricated and delivered, which demonstrated improved stability, retention, and overall patient satisfaction. This case highlights the clinical advantages of diode laser-assisted vestibuloplasty, including bloodless surgery, reduced morbidity, elimination of suturing, and rapid, predictable healing. While alternative laser systems such as CO₂ and Er:YAG have been employed in pre-prosthetic procedures, diode lasers remain widely adopted because of their portability, affordability, and efficiency. Current evidence, though largely derived from case reports and small clinical series, supports the utility of diode lasers in vestibuloplasty, but further controlled studies are required to establish long-term benefits and standardized protocols. In conclusion, diode laser-assisted vestibuloplasty is a minimally invasive and effective pre-prosthetic surgical technique that provides significant vestibular depth gain, enhances denture retention, and improves patient-centered outcomes.