title: Treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation for esthetic purposes by Nd:YAG laser: report of 4 cases.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hospital Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Atsawasuwan
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Greethong
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nimmanon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008548:Melanosis / Q000601:surgery*; D009354:Neodymium
chemical_list: D009354:Neodymium