Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Depigmentation by Diode Laser and Cryosurgery Using Tetrafluoroethane: 18‐Month Follow‐Up

Abstract

Introduction: Pigmentation of the gingiva is a negative factor in an otherwise acceptable "smile window." Recently, cryosurgery and laser techniques have gained popularity for depigmentation and seem to be the most reliable and satisfactory procedures. To our knowledge, this case series is unique and is the first reporting comparison of cryosurgery and lasers in the literature. Case Series:The study included 20 patients who presented with a chief complaint of "black gums" and requested cosmetic therapy. They were randomly divided into group A and group B of 10 patients each. Patients in group A were treated using a diode laser. The laser beam was set at 0.70 W power, 200 J energy, in continuous mode. Patients in group B were treated using tetrafluoroethane cryosurgery. Patients were followed for 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. Gingival depigmentation was assessed using a new index system, gingival pigmentation index, on the day of first depigmentation and at the end of 18 months. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by using a simple questionnaire. Both procedures were equally effective in depigmentation. At the 18-month follow-up, spotted repigmentation was found in one case in each group. Although there was initial healing discomfort and mild pain with cryosurgery, all the patients were satisfied with the esthetic outcomes.Conclusion: During the 18-month follow-up, the depigmentation achieved using both the techniques was found equivalent and satisfactory. Clin Adv Periodontics 2012;2:129-134.

Efficacy of Conventional Laser Irradiation Versus a New Method for Gingival Depigmentation (Sieve Method): A Clinical Trial

“…15 In some other studies, optimal efficacy of diode laser irradiation for gingival depigmentation has also been reported. [16][17][18] These results are in line with our findings. The current study had several advantages over the relevant previous ones.…”

“…Optimal efficacy of diode laser (980 nm, 810 nm) for treatment of gingival pigmentation has been documented with no complications. [15][16][17] Lower level of pain has often been reported with the use of laser compared to scalpel surgery. 18 Laser can be irradiated using the conventional method or the recently introduced sieve technique.…”

Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Depigmentation using Tetrafluoroethane Cryosurgery and Gingival Abrasion Technique: Two Years Follow Up

“…In addition, the lack of bleeding and scar formation, its application without a regional anaesthesia, sutures or dressing, the ease of application of the cryogen at the papillary area by using a small cotton pledget, the added advantage of the depth control by using the time factor [25] of maintaining the cryogen for 30-40 sec at the site and the need of no complicated instruments, makes the Tetrafluoroethane cryosurgery superior to the scalpel, Laser [26], and the conventional cryotherapy procedures in many aspects.…”

Nitrato de plata y despigmentación gingival de manchas melánicas: un reporte de caso

“…Debido a la presencia de pigmentaciones en esta región, existen distintos métodos utilizados para la despigmentación de manchas provocadas por melanosis como el láser (14-17), la criocirugía (17,18), mediante instrumentos rotatorios (18), ácido ascórbico (19), bisturí (20), injerto gingival libre (21), aloinjerto de matriz dérmica acelular (22), y radiocirugía (23); pero estas técnicas tienen desventajas como el ser costosas, requerir anestesia y/u otro método quirúrgico, y en algunos casos de un postoperatorio prolongado. Muchas de estas técnicas presentan ventajas y también desventajas que deben ser tomadas en cuenta al momento de planear el tratamiento.…”