Background: Gingival hyperpigmentation usually occurs due to the abnormal accumulation of melanin in the gingival tissue and confers a dark appearance to the gingiva. Gingival hyperpigmentation often compromises smile esthetics and can occur due to several physiological disorders. Several treatment options are available for this condition; however, laser seems to be the most reliable and satisfactory treatment modality in this regard. Aim: This study reviews the outcome of laser treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation in terms of response to treatment and recurrence. Study Design: Review.

Introduction: Diode laser irradiation has recently shown promising results for treatment of gingival pigmentation. This study sought to compare the efficacy of 2 diode laser irradiation protocols for treatment of gingival pigmentations, namely the conventional method and the sieve method. Methods: In this split-mouth clinical trial, 15 patients with gingival pigmentation were selected and their pigmentation intensity was determined using Dummett's oral pigmentation index (DOPI) in different dental regions. Diode laser (980 nm wavelength and 2 W power) was irradiated through a stipple pattern (sieve method) and conventionally in the other side of the mouth. Level of pain and satisfaction with the outcome (both patient and periodontist) were measured using a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS) for both methods. Patients were followed up at 2 weeks, one month and 3 months. Pigmentation levels were compared using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA). The difference in level of pain and satisfaction between the 2 groups was analyzed by sample t test and general estimate equation model. Results: No significant differences were found regarding the reduction of pigmentation scores and pain and scores between the 2 groups. The difference in satisfaction with the results at the three time points was significant in both conventional and sieve methods in patients (P = 0.001) and periodontists (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Diode laser irradiation in both methods successfully eliminated gingival pigmentations. The sieve method was comparable to conventional technique, offering no additional advantage.

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Background. Bone augmentation ensures a favorable 3-dimensional position of implants. Onlay grafting is one of the techniques in ridge augmentation, which can be performed with the use of xenogenous blocks. Methods. Three cases of the vertical and horizontal ridge are discussed, which were augmented using xenogenous blocks. The blocks were shaped in a favorable size and puzzled along the grafting area. All the gaps were filled with granular xenografts. The flaps were coronally advanced to obtain primary closure. Results. An average of 4.2-mm gain in width and 4.2-mm gain in height of the ridge was observed at the implantation stage. Conclusion. The outcomes of these cases could pave the way for suggesting xenograft blocks for augmenting wide areas of the alveolar ridge on average of 4 mm in width and height in selected cases as an alternative to standard autogenous blocks. Long-lasting xenograft ensures implant and lip support in the esthetic zone.