Prevalence and clinical features of pigmented oral lesions

Abstract

Pigmentations of the oral mucosa are common. Gingivae and buccal mucosae are the most common sites for oral pigmentations. Proper history and recognition of clinical features are important for effective management.

Non–plaque‐induced gingival diseases

“…Oral pigmentation (Table 2) is associated with a variety of exogenous and endogenous factors including drugs, heavy metals, genetics, endocrine disturbances (Addison's disease), syndromes (Albright syndrome, Peutz-Jegher syndrome), and postinflammatory reactions. 110 Physiologic pigmentation is usually symmetric, occurring on the gingiva, buccal mucosa, hard palate, lips, and tongue.…”

Treatment of Amalgam Tattoo With a New Technique: Mucoabrasion and Free Connective Tissue Graft

“…ATs are frequent lesions and their prevalence ranges between 1.3% and 13% . Different possible etiologic factors have been described, including the mechanical penetration of amalgam particles into the soft tissues during dental treatment, corrosion phenomena, and the release of metallic components …”

“…Dental amalgam has been one of the most frequent materials to produce permanent stains on the gum . Clinically, amalgam tattoo (AT) appears as an asymptomatic blue‐black pigmentation or macule and differential diagnosis must be made with other types of lesions such as nevus, racial pigmentations, oral lesions of systemic syndromes (Albright disease, Addison disease, etc. ), graphite pigmentation, or even melanoma or melanoacanthoma .…”

“…Clinically, amalgam tattoo (AT) appears as an asymptomatic blue‐black pigmentation or macule and differential diagnosis must be made with other types of lesions such as nevus, racial pigmentations, oral lesions of systemic syndromes (Albright disease, Addison disease, etc. ), graphite pigmentation, or even melanoma or melanoacanthoma . In the absence of history of previous root canal treatment with silver cones in adjacent teeth, an apicoectomy with a retrograde filling with silver amalgam or a preparation for metal posts before prosthetic rehabilitations, the lesion should be removed and a histopathological analysis should be performed to exclude a possible malignant lesion …”

“…), 2 graphite pigmentation, 2 or even melanoma 1,2 or melanoacanthoma. 2 In the absence of history of previous root canal treatment with silver cones in adjacent teeth, an apicoectomy with a retrograde filling with silver amalgam or a preparation for metal posts before prosthetic rehabilitations, the lesion should be removed and a histopathological analysis should be performed to exclude a possible malignant lesion. 2 AT does not require any treatment but, occasionally, these pigmentations represent an important esthetic compromise, especially when the anterior superior regions are affected.…”