Blue laser-assisted depigmentation of gingiva using non-ablative technique

Abstract

Diode lasers are one of the most widely used modalities in soft tissue dental surgery. Recent advancements have expanded the clinically useful emission spectrum of diode lasers to include the blue light region, corresponding to wavelengths such as 445 and 450 nm. The melanin present in hyperpigmented gingiva acts as a chromophore and absorbs laser energy, thus facilitating the denaturing of melanin-containing cells in the gingiva. This paper presents a case of ethnicity-related gingival hyperpigmentation that was successfully treated using a 445 nm blue wavelength soft tissue diode laser by non-ablative technique. The treated area showed no recurrence of pigmentation up to 9 months postoperatively.

Keywords: Dentistry and oral medicine; Lasers.