Objectives: Gingival enlargement is a common condition caused by increased cell numbers, leading to connective tissue expansion. It can hinder plaque control and cause aesthetic and functional problems, often requiring surgical intervention. Gingivectomy is the primary procedure for treating gingival enlargement, ensuring periodontal health. Postoperative low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate tissue regeneration. Similarly, hyaluronic acid (HA) stimulates cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation, promoting wound healing. This study aimed to compare the effects of LLLT and HA on early wound healing after gingivectomy.

Methods: Forty-five patients requiring gingivectomy after periodontal treatment were randomized into two groups: LLLT (n=23) and hyaluronic acid (n=22). In the LLLT group, low-level laser therapy was applied on days 0, 3, 5, and 7 using a diode laser (940 nm), while the other group used a hyaluronic acid-based mouth spray. Intraoral photographs of the surgical sites were taken on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 using Mira-2-Ton staining. Postoperative wound healing was assessed by measuring wound surface area and recording gingival index, probing depth, bleeding on probing and VAS scores.

Results: On day 14, both groups showed significantly smaller wound areas compared to baseline. However, the HA group showed superior healing, as assessed by staining and ImageJ analysis. Additionally, VAS scores, gingival index, probing depth, and bleeding on probing index significantly improved in all groups by week 6.

Conclusion: When compared to LLLT, the use of HA after gingivectomy/gingivoplasty procedures improved wound healing and epithelization.