Purpose: Using different lasers with various wavelengths, the main goal of the study was to evaluate the tissue damage in the first peripheral microns of oral soft-tissue specimens, the most important area for the evaluation of infiltrating potential of displastic lesions. Materials and Methods: Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG, and two diode lasers (808 nm and 980 nm) were tested, taking bioptic specimens from pig tongues. The results were compared with a scalpel specimen. All the samples were fixed in formaline, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and examined with an optical microscope by two pathologists. Results: The 808 nm diode laser in pulsed mode and the Er,Cr:YSGG showed the best results, with less than 1 mm of marginal damage. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that lasers can be even used in bioptic investigations of dysplastic lesions, extending the edges of the excision to assure a safe histological evaluation, which is fundamental for a correct histological diagnosis.

Keywords: biopsy, laser, peri-incisional damage