Reply to the Letter to the Editor regarding 'The long-term effectiveness of coblation cryptolysis treatment for tonsillar-induced halitosis'

Abstract

First we thank to Xiangming Meng due to his valuable comments on our paper regarding coblation cryptolysis method in treatment of tonsil caseum-induced halitosis [1]. Since human is a social creature, halitosis puts the person in a difficult situation in this social life, in communi cation with his friends and close environment. The oral cavity, which contains the palatine tonsils, which can cause bad odor due to the caseous formation of the cryptic structures they contain, can be one of the main sources of halitosis in the person [2]. Definitely tonsillectomy is a quite effectual procedure carried out for tonsil stones, as is the case all over the World, serious complications such as possible intraoperative and postoperative bleeding may push the surgeon to seek alternative treatment options. The results of the coblation cryptolysis method we used for tonsil caseums in our study showed that this method was quite successful [1]. The technology used in coblation basis on the transition of a radiofrequency bipolar electrical current via an environment of normal saline that concludes in the generation of a plasma field of so dium ions [3]. In our study investigating coblation cryptolysis in halitosis caused by tonsillolithiasis, we found that halitosis control was achieved in 83.1% of patients in 6-month follow-up. We have been applying this procedure to our patients for about 4 years. The longest follow-up of these patients was 36 months and we did not detect any recurrence in most of our patients. We have been performing the procedure under local anes thesia, in a short time and the most advantageous feature is that the procedure can be carried out in office conditions and has satisfactory results. We recommend tonsillectomy as an alternative and gold stan dard treatment method in addition to coblation cryptolysis to our pa tients who are suffering from halitosis caused by tonsillolithiasis.