Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid and Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser for Oral Soft Tissue Regeneration: A Proposal of a New Surgical Technique

Hyaluronic acid is an endogenous molecule that acts by regulating several cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, and morphogenesis. The positive effect of this molecule on hard tissue and soft tissue regeneration is well-documented in the literature, as it actively participates in the process of tissue inflammation, thereby minimizing the damaging effects of the immune cell response on tissues. The cross-linked form of hyaluronic acid, obtained through modifications of the chemical structure of the native form, is characterized by a high capacity to resist mechanical stress and slow biodegradation, improving the clinical performance of this molecule. This article proposes a review of the literature concerning the use of cross-linked hyaluronic acid in oral soft tissue regeneration. It also reports the clinical case of an in situ carcinoma of the tongue margin managed surgically through an innovative technique that combines the use of neodymium laser surgery, cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel, and a porcine pericardium resorbable membrane. The literature was searched through the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Follow-ups of the clinical case described showed rapid and uniform healing of the surgical site. Although the observations are limited to a single case and do not allow for objective conclusions to be drawn about the effectiveness of the proposed surgical technique, the reported results appear favorable, apparently supporting the beneficial effect of the innovative approach on the healing of surgical wounds in the oral mucosa.