Clinical Application of Er:YAG Laser and Cryosurgery in Gingival Depigmentation

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Gingival melanin pigmentation often occurs as the result of abnormal deposition of melanin. Melanin pigmentation is completely benign and presents no medical problem. However, patients complain the esthetic problem as ‘Black Gum’. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of depigmentation by Er:YAG laser and cryosurgery. Materials and methods This study included 20 patients with gingival pigmentation of maxillary incisors, aged 15 to 44 years. Excluding criteria were smoking, systemic disease and pregnancy. Patients treated randomized split mouth, with Er:YAG laser (Pd: 120 mj, RR:12 Hz) along with water spraying of half of maxillary gingivae and on the opposite side cryosurgery was done under topical anesthesia. Patients were followed up at 1, 2, 4 weeks and 3, 6, 12 months after treatment. Results Healing was uneventful follow-up period for 6 to 12 months showed no repigmentation in none of them. Slight erythema was observed. No postoperative swelling, hemorrhage, pain, infection were reported. Conclusion Depigmentation of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation by cryosurgery and Er: YAG laser radiations were found to be an effective procedures. Postoperative patient's satisfaction were impressive. How to cite this article Farahmand A, Moghareh Abed A, Mansouri Y. Clinical Application of Er: YAG Laser and Cryosurgery in Gingival Depigmentation. World J Dent 2014;5(2):102-108.