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. Palabras clave: gingivectomy, heat generation