Treatment of Gingival Hyperpigmentation by Diode Laser for Esthetical Purposes

Abstract

BACKGROUND:Gingival hyperpigmentation is a common esthetical concern in patients with gummy smile or excessive gingival display. Laser ablation has been recognized recently as the most effective, pleasant and reliable technique. It has the advantage of easy handling, short treatment time, hemostasis, decontamination, and sterilization effect.AIM:In the present study we wanted to explore the efficacy of a 980 nm wavelength diode laser in gingival depigmentation clinically by using both VAS and digital imaging method as means of assessment.METHODS:Diode laser ablation was done for 15 patients who requested cosmetic therapy for melanin pigmented gums. The laser beam delivered by fiberoptic with a diameter of 320 µm, the diode laser system has 980 nm wave lengths and 3 W irradiation powers, in a continuous contact mode in all cases, the entire surface of each pigmented maxillary and mandibular gingiva that required treatment was irradiated in a single session. Clinical examination and digital image analysis were done and the patients were followed up for 3 successive months.RESULTS:There was a statistically significant change in prevalence of bleeding after treatment, as none of the cases showed any signs of bleeding 1 week, 1 month and 3 months after ablation. No statistically significant change was observed in the prevalence of swelling after treatment The VAS evaluation demonstrated that only 4 patients complained of mild pain immediately after the procedure. No pain was perceived from the patients in the rest of the follow up period. There was no statistically significant change in prevalence of pain immediately after treatment compared to pain during treatment. There was a decrease in cases with mild pain after 1 week, 1 month as well as 3 months compared to pain during treatment and immediately after treatment.CONCLUSION:Within the limitations of this study, the use of diode laser was shown to be a safe and effective treatment modality that provides optimal aesthetics with minimal discomfort in patients with gingival hyperpigmentation.

Effect of diode laser depigmentation on gingival tissue of dogs.

“…In the present study there was minimal side effects such as the very slight coagulation on the treated surface as laser has been recognized as one of the most effective, comfortable and reliable techniques for the gingival depigmentation (Shenawy et al, 2015).…”

Gingival Melanin Depigmentation With Diode Laser - Case Report

“…of 1200 mW, and 215 J of energy. In contrast, other authors (Murthy et al, 2012;Simsek Kaya et al;El Shenawy et al, 2015) used diode laser with powers of 1.5 W, 1 W, and 3 W, and wavelengths of 810 nm, 808 nm, and 980 nm, respectively. There are other depigmentation techniques such as electrosurgery, Nd:YAG laser, cryosurgery, scalpel removal, and rotary abrasion, addressed by Murthy et al, Gupta et al (2015), Chandna & Kedige (2015), and Patil et al (2015), who used high-power diode laser because of hemostasis and lower postoperative morbidity.…”

Esthetic Management of Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation by 810 nm Diode Laser

“…Lasers are an effective, pleasant and reliable treatment modality with minimal post-operative discomfort. The lasers have shown to result in homogenous ablation of epithelial and rete pegs along with having a bactericidal effect and better hemostasis [5]. 810nm diode laser is a Gallium aluminium arsenide (GaAlAs) laser which has a high affinity for colored pigments like hemoglobin and melanin thus making it a preferred laser for gingival depigmentation procedures [6].…”