Gingival hyperpigmentation may cause esthetic problems and embarrassment, especially in patients with a gummy smile. This report presents the use of the Nd:YAG laser for gingival depigmentation. Four cases, 3 females and 1 male, ages between 24 to 28 years old, presented with the same chief complaint of unesthetic gingiva caused by melanin hyperpigmentation. The Nd:YAG laser was set at 6 watts, 60 millijoules per pulse, and 100 pulses per second. The procedures were performed with contact mode in all pigmented areas by using a handpiece with a 320 microm diameter fiber optic. Ablation of the gingival hyperpigmented areas were accomplished without any bleeding complications or significant postoperative pain. Three to 4 weeks after the procedures, the hyperpigmented gingiva appeared healthy, pink, and firm. No recurrence of hyperpigmentation had been found in 11 to 13 months of follow-up. However, in delicate areas such as the marginal gingiva, the Nd:YAG laser should be used cautiously.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Atsawasuwan et al. (2000) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched one closely related paper. Consider it for comparative context: