Management of gingival hyperplasia of genetic cause (Ullrich muscular dystrophy) using diode laser in pediatric patients: a case report.

These days, laser systems and their use in oral surgery and dentistry are developing quickly. Diode lasers operating in continuous or pulsed modes with wavelengths between 810 and 980 nm are considered as a potential soft tissue surgery modality in the oral cavity. An 8-month-old baby girl with Ullrich muscular dystrophy was referred to the pediatric surgery service of our hospital for therapeutic management. The child had a global developmental disorder and growth failure, and the clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed marked, bimaxillary, bilateral gingival hyperplasia at the canine-molar level. In order to improve the weight curve by facilitating age-appropriate nutrition, we considered the surgical excision of the hyperplastic gingival tissue necessary. Since the hematological parameters were at the lower limit of normal, we decided that the minimally traumatic method was the laser intervention. Ten days after the laser intervention, the gum had a normal appearance both in terms of volume and coloration, the canines and first temporary molars were fully exposed and functional, allowing the feeding of semi-solid and, with caution, even solid foods. Lasers are now more appealing in pedodontic applications (including pediatric surgery) due to recent advancements in technology, as they can be utilized as an addition to or substitute for conventional methods. Keywords: di [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]