A Novel Approach to Evaluate Heat Generation During Gingivectomy Procedure: A Clinical Case Report

Objectives: Thermal cameras have a wide range of use like millitary, industry or medical diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate heat generation with thermal camera during gingivectomy with Er:YAG, Nd:YAG lasers and electrocautery. Materials and Methods: A 18 year old male patient referred our clinic with the complaint of gingival enlargement in upper and lower anterior areas of the jaws. The gingival surgery was performed with Er:YAG, Nd:YAG lasers, electrocautery. Heat generation, heat radiation areas and temperature differences from the proximal tissues in the operation sites were evaluated and photographed with a thermal camera and a computer program. Results: Nd:YAG laser attained the highest temperature level at 274,9˚C and the heat resolution time was 16-20 seconds after several applications. Er:YAG laser with water and air cooling reached maximum temperature of 53,11˚C and the heat resolved in 1-2 seconds. Electrocautery reached maximum temperature of 92,7˚C and resolution of heat was about 7 seconds after 5 seconds continuing applications. Conclusion: In this clinical case, thermal camera provided instant thermal display of working area. Additionally heat resolution time after application and heat radiation areas were evaluated. Non-contact heat measuring was one of the advantages that eleminated sterilization procedures while working in surgical areas, however, measuring only the superficial heat was the limitation of these cameras. Schlagwörter: gingivectomy, heat generation