A comparative histological study of wound healing following CO2 laser and conventional surgical excision of canine buccal mucosa.

The histological changes following removal of 2 cm discs of buccal mucosa by CO2 laser and conventional surgery were studied over a period of 42 days. The laser wound differed from the conventional wound: there was minimal damage to the adjacent tissue; initially a coagulum of denatured protein formed on the surface; the inflammatory reaction was less; fewer myofibroblasts were present and there was little wound contraction; less collagen was formed and epithelial regeneration was delayed and more irregular.