title: Treatment of an amalgam tattoo with a Q-switched alexandrite (755 nm) laser.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Amalgam tattoos result from deposition of metallic particles (eg, silver, mercury, copper, zinc, and tin) into the oral mucosa. Their clinical and histologic appearance is similar to that of decorative tattoos.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the successful use of a Q-switched alexandrite laser for removal of an amalgam tattoo.
  
  
  METHODS
  An amalgam tattoo on the buccal mucosa and gingiva was treated with a QS 755 nm alexandrite laser. Three treatments were delivered at 8-week time intervals (average fluence = 6.8 J/cm2).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant lightening of the tattoo was achieved after each of the three treatments without adverse sequelae.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Q-switched alexandrite laser irradiation can safely and effectively eradicate amalgam tattoos.
authors.affiliation: Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: Geeta
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Tina S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Alster
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D013653:Tattooing
chemical_list: D003723:Dental Amalgam