Gingival Tissue Depigmentation Using Diode Laser: A Case Report

Abstract

The gingival pigment is one of the common aesthetic demands of the patient who attend the periodontal clinic for management. Gingival depigmentation is one of the procedures that are handled to establish a pleasant gingival display. Multiple depigmentation techniques are prescribed in the literature. Non-surgical techniques include chemical peeling and cryosurgery, while surgical techniques include (Abrasion with Bur or Scalpel blade, free gingival graft, acellular dermal matrix allograft, electrosurgery, and laser). Different types of lasers are utilized for depigmentation (carbon dioxide, neodymium-doped: yttrium aluminum garnet, semiconductor diode, and Erbium). Three patients received gingival pigments treatment with diode laser at the periodontics clinic in King Saud Medical City. Their follow-up range was between three to five years to evaluate the changes and chances of re-pigmentation of gingival tissues utilizing the gingival pigmentation index to compare pre-surgical and follow-up outcomes. All three patients presented with re-pigmentation of gingival tissues, but their scores were not as the baseline.

Keywords

• lasers
• melanosis
• pigmentation
• semiconductors