Management of Oral Leukoplakia Using Diode Laser Ablation: A Case Report
10.14476/jomp.2025.50.4.139
- Author:
So-Ra KIM
1
;
Okjoon KIM
;
Yeong-Gwan IM
Author Information
1. Department of Oral Medicine, Chonnam National University Dental Hospital, Gwangju, Korea
- Publication Type:Case Report
- From:
Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
2025;50(4):139-144
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Oral leukoplakia represents the most common potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity, requiring appropriate diagnosis and treatment to reduce malignant transformation risk. This case report presents the treatment outcome of histopathologically confirmed non-dysplastic oral leukoplakia using diode laser ablation and evaluates the clinical value of proactive laser therapy integration in oral medicine practice. A 52-year-old female presented with a persistent white plaque extending from the mandibular anterior teeth to the premolar region on the lingual gingiva. Incisional biopsy confirmed hyperkeratotic squamous hyperplasia without dysplasia. Considering lesion persistence and patient discomfort, laser ablation (808 nm GaAlAs diode laser, 1.0 W, continuous wave, contact mode) was performed in an outpatient setting. Three staged treatment sessions were conducted over 2 months, with excellent hemostasis and rapid mucosal re-epithelialization observed after each procedure. At 15-month follow-up, a minor recurrence was identified and successfully retreated using the same technique. This case demonstrates that diode laser ablation can be safely and effectively performed in an outpatient oral medicine setting following histopathological confirmation. Despite the possibility of recurrence, its minimally invasive and repeatable nature provides sufficient clinical value as a firstline treatment option for low-risk lesions. The proactive adoption of laser therapy by oral medicine clinicians is expected to enhance the management efficiency of potentially malignant oral disorders.
