940 nm Diode Laser assisted excision of Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma in a neonate

Laser Ther. 2017 Mar 31;26(1):53-57. doi: 10.5978/islsm.17-CR-01.

Abstract

Background: Peripheral ossifying fibroma associated with neonatal tooth extraction is a rare, benign reactive lesion, but its nature and location often scares the patient & parents for possibility of neoplasm. A high recurrence rate makes its histopathological examination and long term follow up important.

Case report: A 2 months old boy presented with enlarging soft tissue growth on the anterior mandibular ridge. The history revealed extraction of two neonatal teeth at 2 weeks of age. Lesion was excised using 940 nm diode laser and histopathological examination revealed hypercellularity and prominent dystrophic calcification, confirming it to be Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma. There was no recurrence after 18 months follow up.

Conclusion: Paediatric dentists should be aware of possible outcomes of natal and neonatal teeth extraction and histopathological features of soft tissue lesions in neonates and infants. This report also highlights that 940 nm diode laser can be safely used for minor oral soft tissue surgeries in neonates and infants.

Keywords: laser excisional biopsy; neonatal teeth; peripheral ossifying fibroma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports