Cryosurgery by tetrafluoroethane: An answer to black gums

Abstract

To highlight the effect of 1,1,1,2 tetrafluoroethane (TFE), a new material for cryosurgery of gingival melanin pigmentation (GMP). Five patients were treated using a TFE-cooled swab and the pre- and post-treatment photographs were compared. Complete keratinization took place in 3-4 weeks after application without any trace of pigmentation. During the follow-up period, no side effects were observed and the improved esthetics were maintained upto 1 year.

Iatrogenic cold urticaria induced by tetrafluoroethane cryosurgery for gingival depigmentation: A rare case report

“…Toxicology testing of TFE by Programme for Alternate Fluorocarbons Toxicity testing and International Pharmaceutical Aerosol Consortium for Toxicity testing has concluded that TFE is nontoxic, nononcogenic and can be used in pharmaceutical applications 12 . TFEs in pressurized spray have been used previously as cryogen for cryosurgery depigmentation 13 …”

“…12 TFEs in pressurized spray have been used previously as cryogen for cryosurgery depigmentation. 13 Even though cryosurgery is a simple, less sensitive, and cost-effective procedure, its use in dentistry is limited due to its complications, which includes immediate ones like pain, headache, syncope, subcutaneous emphysema, blister formation, and oedema, delayed complications like infection and hemorrhage, prolonged but temporary complication like milia, hyperpigmentation and hypertrophic scares, and prolonged but permanent complications like alopecia, hypopigmentation, atrophy, and ectropion. 14 Relative contraindications of cryosurgery include blood dyscrasias of unknown origin, cold intolerance, Raynaud's disease, cold urticaria, cryoglobulinaemia, and pyoderma gangrenosum.…”

Depigmentation: A demystifying approach from black to pink

“…The gingiva appears normal within 1 to 2 weeks, and keratinization is completed in 3 to 4 weeks after the treatment. 16 Cryosurgical procedure of depigmentation is complicated by the necessity of providing special containers for liquid nitrogen saving and the requirement for fast (20 -30 sec) application. There is also difficult control of penetration and risk for excessive tissue destruction after prolonged freezing.…”