TREATMENT OF MUCOCELE USING THE CO<sub>2</sub> LASER : CASE REPORT

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Journal of the Korean Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 2000;27(4):485-489.
Published online November 30, 2000.

TREATMENT OF MUCOCELE USING THE CO₂ LASER : CASE REPORT

CO₂ Laser를 이용한 점액종의 치료

이인천, 김종수, 권순원

단국대학교 치과대학 소아치과학교실

Abstract

A mucocele is a thin-walled, bluish, fluctuant swelling occurring just beneath the oral mucosa and filled with mucoid material. It usually results from damage to a salivary gland following which there is extravasation of mucus into the tissues, or occasionally it forms from dilatation of the duct of a salivary gland. The accepted treatment of a mucocele is excision of the sac and the associated minor salivary gland. Use of the CO₂ laser in oral surgery has several advantages. It is a very precise means of cutting tissue and causes little adjacent nontarget tissue damage. There is excellent coagulation of small blood vessels and consequently operative hemorrhage is greatly decreased. There is instant sterilization of the operative site, which decreases bacteremia. The operation sites were completely healed without any infection or complication and discomfort from swelling or pain was not noted in all cases throughout the healing process. In addition, following this therapy, there is little contraction or scarring.

Key Words: CO₂ Laser, Mucocele