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Esthetic Treatment of Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation With Er:YAG Laser: Short‐Term Clinical Observations and Patient Follow‐Up
Author(s) -
Rosa Daniel Simões A.,
Aranha Ana Cecília Corrêa,
de Paula Eduardo Carlos,
Aoki Akira
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2007.070041
Subject(s) - hyperpigmentation , melanin , medicine , dermatology , dentistry , melasma , chemistry , biochemistry
Background: Recently, the erbium‐doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser has been applied effectively for periodontal soft tissue management. The purpose of this study was to report removal of gingival melanin pigmentation using an Er:YAG laser in a short‐term clinical observation. Methods: Five patients with gingival melanin pigmentation participated in this study. Irradiation was performed at 64.0 mJ/pulse (8.5 J/cm 2 per pulse) and 10 Hz under water spray in contact mode. Clinical parameters, such as bleeding, swelling, redness, and healing, were evaluated immediately after the surgery and 24 hours, 1 and 4 weeks, and 3 months later. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate the pain level experienced. Results: The Er:YAG laser effectively ablated the epithelial tissue containing melanin pigmentation. At 1 week, gingiva showed fast epithelization with a healthy appearance in all cases. At 2 weeks, gingiva showed satisfactory healing with significant improvement in color and recovery of the tissue thickness. At 1 month, complete healing was observed; after the 3‐month evaluation, no gingival deformity or recession was observed. However, there was a slight recurrence in one case. Conclusion: Removal of gingival melanin pigmentation can be performed safely by Er:YAG laser resulting in an esthetically significant improvement of gingival discoloration.