Laser Therapy Versus Conventional Treatments in Oral Leukoplakia: A Systematic Review of Efficacy, Recurrence, and Postoperative Outcomes

Oral leukoplakia (OL) is a potentially malignant disorder characterized by white lesions on the oral mucosa, with a variable risk of progression to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Its management remains challenging due to the potential for recurrence and malignant transformation. In recent years, laser-based therapies have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional treatments such as surgical excision and cryotherapy. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of various laser technologies, including ablative lasers, fractional lasers, and photodynamic therapy (PDT)-assisted laser treatments, for the management of OL. The review focuses on key clinical outcomes such as lesion regression rates, recurrence reduction, and the incidence of adverse effects. Evidence suggests that laser therapies not only achieve significant lesion regression but also minimize posttreatment discomfort and preserve healthy tissue structure. Among the laser modalities studied, PDT-assisted treatments have shown particular promise in reducing recurrence rates over long-term follow-up. Furthermore, fractional laser-assisted PDT has demonstrated high clinical efficacy with excellent tolerability, suggesting its potential as a front-line treatment option. Despite these encouraging results, further research with larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods is necessary to establish standardized treatment protocols. This review supports the adoption of laser-based treatments as effective and minimally invasive options for managing OL while reducing the risk of malignant progression.