DEPIGMENTATION OF GINGIVA

Abstract

Hyperactivity of melanocytes is the reason for dark colour of gingiva, which is absolutely benign condition with only esthetic disadvantage, for people with gummy smilemostly. Depigmentation is a procedure of removing or reducing of gingival hyperpigmentation. The purpose of the research is to investigate the advantage of using Er:YAG laser than liquid nitrogen in case of gingival depigmentation. That’s why two alternative methods are used: laser ablation with an Er:YAG laser and cryosurgical procedure of tissue destruction by fast freezing with liquid nitrogen (-196º C).Laser assisted gingival depigmentation is a single step procedure, with fast healing process. There is difficult control of penetration and risk for excessive tissue destruction after prolonged freezing in the cryosurgical procedure.

Keywords

• Er:YAG laser
• liquid nitrogen
• depigmentation