A Clinical Study of Treatment for Gingival Hyperpigmentation by Er: YAG Laser

• Published in: Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai Kaishi (Journal of the Japanese Society of Periodontology) Vol. 44; no. 1; pp. 82 - 87
• Main Authors: Motomura, Youichi, Matsuda, Satoru, Ohto, Takaichi, Araki, Hisao, Endou, Gaku
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: JAPANESE SOCIETY OF PERIODONTOLOGY 2002
• Subjects: Er: YAG laser, phenol-alcohol; gingival hyperpigmentation
• ISSN: 0385-0110; 1880-408X; 1880-408X
• DOI: 10.2329/perio.44.82

Laser treatment is widely used in dental practice, e. g., in the removal ofmelanin pigentation in oral mucosa. We conducted 2 pigmentation removal therapies simultaneously on the same patients, i. e., Er: YAG laser (Er-L) and conventional phenol-alcohol (PA), and compared treatment effects to evaluate the effectiveness of dental laser therapy in removing melanin pigmentation. Subjects were 5 men aged 26 to 33 years (mean: 28±2.5) who gave prior informed consent. Treated were the anterior maxillae. Upper right anterior underwent received Er-L therapy and upper left anterior regions PA therapy. The Er: YAG laser Erwin (Morita, Japan) was used in Er-L following the manufacturer's instructions. In PA, 90% phenol was applied with a cotton pellet and maintained for 30 seconds, followed by 30-second neutralization with 99% alcohol and sufficient rinsing. Clinical photographs were converted to 256-gradation digital data with a personal computer. The results of melanin pigmentation removal were evaluated at baseline, 2 weeks, and 24 weeks, using density as an index. In all subjects, both therapies showed inproved pigmentation removal. The effect of Er-L was not remarkable. These results, suggest that although Er-L produces some improvement in melanin pigmentation in gingiva, its effect is less significant than that of PA. Because Er: YAG laser, due to its short oscillation wavelength 2.94 μm, reacts with moisture on the surface of living tissues and is less likey to reach melanin pigmentation sites in a deeper layer. In the application of Er-L in the removal of melanin pigmention, further study appears necessary on the number of treatment sessions, laser radiation power, and other factors. J Jpn Soc Periodontol, 44: 82-87, 2002.