Effect of 810 nm diode laser on physiologic gingival pigmentation

Abstract

Background and aims: Physiologic gingival pigmentation (PGP) is the most common type of gingival pigmentation causing esthetic concerns particularly in gummy smile patients. Laser therapy is an effective and noninvasive treatment modality for such patients. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of diode laser for treatment of PGP. Subjects and methods: This quasi-experimental study (one-group pretest-post-test design) was conducted on 20 patients complaining of gingival melanin pigmentation. The gingiva of the anterior segment of the arch was ablated with 810 nm diode laser until the entire visible pigmentation was removed. Clinical observations for the intensity of pigmentation were made at baseline, one month and three months, postoperatively. Data were analyzed using SPSS and Friedman test. Results: Preoperatively, the mean score of gingival melanin pigmentation in the maxilla and mandible was 2.95. At one month postoperatively, the mean scores of the maxilla and mandible were 1.53 and 1.55, respectively. After three months, the mean rank of scores of the maxilla and mandible was 1.53 and 1.50, respectively. The difference between the pre-and postoperative mean scores was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Diode laser therapy is an effective and minimally invasive modality for gingival depigmentation. But further investigations with long-term follow ups are warranted in this respect.

Gingival Pigmentation Removal With a High-Power Diode Laser in Non-contact Mode: A Proposed Technique With Two Years of Follow-Up

“…Regarding pain management, diode laser surgery is one of the less invasive and predictable procedures performed on soft tissues in the oral cavity, facilitating visualization during the surgery with minimal bleeding within the intervention site, as well as promoting better immediate esthetic results and patient comfort [ 11 ]. This can lead to reduced postoperative pain compared with traditional scalp surgery because sutures are usually not needed.…”

Gingival Melanin Depigmentation Using a Diode 808-nm Laser: A Case Series

“…On the basis of the literature, using a diode laser is a safe and effective depigmentation method with less anxiety and improved outcomes for the patient. 20,34,35 However, caution should be taken to avoid bone exposure or gingival fenestration. 20 CO 2 , Er:YAG, ErCr:YSGG, alexandrite and several other lasers have been used in studies for gingival depigmentation, but the diode laser has advantages such as greater efficiency, requiring less time, and enhanced coagulation.…”

Uso do Laser de Alta Intensidade como Alternativa à Cirurgia Convencional de Melanoplastia: Uma Revisão Sistemática

“…Ademais, o laser cirúrgico é excelente para tecidos moles e indicado para cortar ou mesmo coagular mucosa oral e gengiva 20 , uma vez que a irradiação a laser obstrui os vasos sanguíneos com diâmetro de até 0,5 mm, ocorrendo hemostasia e um campo operacional relativamente seco para melhor visualização do operador 21 . A energia de concentração na ponta do laser permite fácil remoção da camada celular superficial e parte do tecido conjuntivo sem sangramento ou trauma excessivo 22 .…”

“…A repigmentação espontânea pode ocorrer e o mecanismo sugerido é que os melanócitos ativos dos tecidos pigmentados adjacentes migram para as áreas tratadas 21 . Podendo também ser atribuído aos melanócitos que são deixados durante a cirurgia, que podem ser ativados e sintetizar melanina novamente 27 .…”

“…Outra razão é o sistema de automanutenção reprodutiva dos melanócitos. Adicionalmente, a variabilidade no tempo de repigmentação pode ser devido a técnica utilizada 21 . Desse modo, o sucesso do procedimento de despigmentação não depende apenas da quantidade de despigmentação alcançada, mas também do tempo necessário para possível recidiva 5 .…”