Treatment of oral hyperpigmentation and gummy smile using lasers and role of plasma as a novel treatment technique in dentistry: An introductory review.
Gingival hyperpigmentation and the condition known as gummy smile are very common dental cosmetic problems. Gingival hyperpigmentation arises due to the excess presence of melanin in certain regions of the gums. In the case of gummy smile, more than the required amount of gingival tissue is exposed upon smiling. An aesthetically pleasing smile should expose only a negligible amount of gingival tissue. Gummy smile and gingival hyperpigmentation can have detrimental effects on the aesthetic quality of a smile, and thereby a wide variety of treatment options must be taken into consideration depending patient outcome objectives. The use of a laser as a treatment modality is considered to be a promising option for such cases. We aim to explain the effects of using a laser on the gingiva and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this type of treatment and the resulting alteration of the genetic composition of the gingival tissue. This article reviews the histological aspects and biological effects of a laser treatment for oral hyperpigmentation and gummy smile and analyzes the use of the laser as a modality to improve the smiles of people with hyperpigmentation and excessive gingival display. We also attempt to provide insight into the use of plasma as a novel technology for medical and dental research and its future implications with regard to, dental soft tissue procedures.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Graduate School of Clinical Dentistry, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
Nayansi
N
Jha
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Implantology, Graduate School of Clinical Dentistry, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
Jae Jun
JJ
Ryu
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Rizwan
R
Wahab
Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulaziz A
AA
Al-Khedhairy
Plasma Bioscience Research Centre, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, South Korea.
Eun Ha
EH
Choi
Plasma Bioscience Research Centre, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, South Korea.
Nagendra Kumar
NK
Kaushik
D003813:Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D019214:Gingival Overgrowth / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D017495:Hyperpigmentation / Q000601:surgery*; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D058626:Plasma Gases / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D058626:Plasma Gases
excessive gingival display; gingival hyperpigmentation; laser surgery; melanosomes; non-thermal plasma