[Soft tissue surgery with the diode laser--theoretical and clinical aspects].

Currently laser light of different wavelengths is used for all kinds of surgical procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery. In this regard especially the diode laser is mainly used, because of its excellent effects on oral soft tissues. On the basis of various oral soft tissue lesions in 40 patients the benefits of the diode laser in daily practice are demonstrated. Intraoperative and postoperative clinical findings were excellent due to the sufficient cutting abilities, the good coagulation effect and the extremely small zone of thermal necrosis to surrounding tissues. By this the diode laser has proven as an alternative solution to conventional electrosurgery and scalpel. The precise treatment in the contact application mode, which allowed an easier and more controlled guidance of the laser beam, was another advantage of the fiber-assisted laser system. In conclusion the results show that the diode laser is a useful instrument in oral soft tissue surgery.