Journal

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LA&HA - Journal of the Laser and Health Academy

2019 Volume: 2019 | number: 1
ISSN (print):1855-9913 | ISSN (web): 1855-9921

Minimally Invasive Er:YAG Laser-assisted Gingival Depigmentation

Mojca Trost, Boris Gaspirc


Pages: 22-24

Oral pigmentation is a discoloration of the oral mucosa or gingiva associated with several exogenous and endogenous factors such as melanin pigmentation, which is caused by melanin granules in the gingival tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of gingival depigmentation techniques using an erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) laser. A patient with melanin pigmentation of the attached gingiva, free gingival margin and interdental papilla was treated by Er:YAG laser. The patient was satisfied with the aesthetically significant improvement and preservation of papillae and free gingival margins, however, some pigment still remained on the attached gingiva and papilla. The results of this case suggest that ablation of the gingiva by an Er:YAG laser is convenient to achieve aesthetic clinical results with normal wound healing without infection or severe pain. Cautions about the gingival condition, such as the gingival biotype, thickness and amount of pigmentation, along with appropriate assessment, are needed when performing ablation with Er:YAG laser.

Minimally Invasive Er:YAG Laser-assisted Gingival Depigmentation

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