Open AccessManagement of gingival hyperpigmentation by semiconductor diode laser
Author(s) -
Geeti Gupta
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.44
H-Index - 13
eISSN - 0974-5157
pISSN - 0974-2077
DOI - 10.4103/0974-2077.91256
Subject(s) - depigmentation , gingivectomy , medicine , hyperpigmentation , dermatology , hypopigmentation , dentistry , cryosurgery , electrosurgery , melanin , surgery , biology , genetics
Gingival hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive deposition of melanin in the basal and suprabasal cell layers of the epithelium. Although melanin pigmentation of the gingiva is completely benign, cosmetic concerns are common, particularly in patients having a very high smile line (gummy smile). Various depigmentation techniques have been employed, such as scalpel surgery, gingivectomy, gingivectomy with free gingival autografting, cryosurgery, electrosurgery, chemical agents such as 90% phenol and 95% alcohol, abrasion with diamond burs, Nd:YAG laser, semiconductor diode laser, and CO(2) laser. The present case report describes simple and effective depigmentation technique using semiconductor diode laser surgery - for gingival depigmentation, which have produced good results with patient satisfaction.