13th World Congress for Laser Dentistry

26-28, April 2012

Barcelona, Spain

Meeting Abstract

Sponsors: World Federation for Laser Dentistry

- Oral Presentation 109

TITLE: Eficacy of Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for the Reduction of Pain in Chronic Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD). A single blinded study.

AUTHORS: Carroll JD, Dincher ME.

THOR Photomedicine

SOURCE: Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2012 May 1;17(Supplement1):S109.

* doi:10.4317/medoral.17643608

http://dx.doi.org/10.4317/medoral.17643608

Abstract

Introduction: Gingival melanin hyperpigmentation is clinically presented as black gum which is not medical but esthetic problem especially for those who have gummy smile. Various treatment modalities have been made for cosmetic removal of pigmented area including gingival melanin hyperpigmentation by Er:YAG laser. Laser ablation which recently seems to be the most effective reliable and satisfactory method.

Patients and method: Two patients with gingival melanin hyperpigmentation were treated by 2940 nm Er:YAG laser device which was set at 1.0, 1.75 watt, 7% water and 11% air for gingival ablation, and then 0.5 watt, 0% water and 11% air for biologic bandage. The operation was done in noncontact mode under topical anesthesia. Patients were observed for 12 months.

Results: Removal of melanin pigment was seen immediately after treatment healing was good within a week. No postoperative complications such as infection, pain or bleeding was encountered. The final outcome was satisfactory for all patients. However, second applications may be needed. Slight repigmentation was found in one patient in the eleventh month of observation.

Conclusion: considering good clinical outcome and patients satisfaction, Er:YAG laser ablations possibly a method of choice for effective removal of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation.