A ranula is an extravasational cyst arising from the sublingual gland. The “cyst” cavity does not have an epithelial lining, and because of this is notoriously difficult to eliminate. Usual treatment requires complete excision of the sublingual gland, exteriorizing the gland through establishment of a secondary ductal structure by placement of a long-term indwelling catheter, or packing, all requiring patient compliance. Unroofing alone is often followed by recurrence via resealing or closure with formation of a new roof. The accompanying scarring and damage to additional ducts may also result in recurrence. Combining unroofing with a technique that would prevent resealing of the remaining portion, scarify the base of the ranula to eliminate residual glandular acini, and be more comfortable and non-interfering with the daily activity of the patient, is an acceptable object of treatment of a ranula. The use of a water-based laser system to accomplish these goals appears to be a desirable and simple method.
⁎Chief, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Dentistry, St. Barnabas Hospital, The Bronx, New York, New York.
†Formerly, Chief Resident, General Practice, Department of Dentistry, St. Barnabas Hospital, The Bronx, New York, New York.
‡Director, Department of Dentistry, St. Barnabas Hospital, The Bronx, New York, New York.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Zola: Department of Dentistry, St. Barnabas Hospital, 183rd Street and 3rd Avenue, The Bronx, New York, NY 10457
Author’s financial interest in the product mentioned in this article: Dr Zola has received compensation and honoraria for lecturing on behalf of Biolase Technology, Inc. Dr Zola has also written an informational article on the applications of the Waterlase laser on behalf of Biolase Technology, Inc for their use in obtaining FDA approval for applicational uses for this product. Dr Rosenberg owns stock in Biolase Technology Inc. St. Barnabas Hospital, where Drs Zola and Rosenberg are full time employees, and Dr Anakwa was a salaried resident in the Department of Dentistry, has a relationship with Biolase Technology, Inc whereby the residents and staff at the hospital are involved in ongoing clinical research concerning clinical applications of the Waterlase laser (such as bleaching, endodontics, and soft and hard tissue cutting) and, in turn receive some items of equipment necessary to do so. St. Barnabas pays less than the market price to obtain the Waterlase laser machines but does not receive them free of charge.
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