ABSTRACT
The present study was mainly based on comparing the effect of cryosurgery and soft laser on the mental nerve in dogs both histologically and histochemically. Autopsies were taken at the intervals of 7, 14 and 40 days postoperatively. The results demonstrated that, both modalities had in common the preservation of the gross morphology of the nerve thus allowing only temporary degeneration. However, the local destruction was more extensive in case of cryosurgery. Cryosurgery is indicated as analgesia in treatment of intractable facial pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia. Further indication include destruction of benign lesions. Laser can be used as analgesia in cases of aphthae, postoperatively following surgery, in cases of myofacial pain dysfunction syndromes