Esthetic treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation with Nd:YAG laser or scalpel technique: a 6-month RCT of patient and professional assessment.

Abstract

This double-masked, randomized controlled trial with a split-mouth design aimed to compare patient- and professional-centered outcomes using different therapeutic approaches-neodymium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser or scalpel technique-for gingival depigmentation. Patients presenting bilateral melanin gingival hyperpigmentation and who requested cosmetic therapy were recruited. Contralateral quadrants were randomly assigned to receive Nd:YAG laser (settings: 6 W, 60 mJ/pulse, and 100 Hz) or scalpel technique. Patient morbidity experienced at intratherapy and during the first postoperative week was evaluated. In addition, after 6 months, the cosmetic results achieved for the different therapeutic approaches were evaluated by patients and professionals. The chair time of each technique was also calculated. Patient-oriented outcomes concerning intratherapy morbidity did not demonstrate any differences between groups (p > 0.05), although a higher extent of discomfort/pain was experienced in the side treated by the scalpel technique compared to the Nd:YAG laser procedure during the first posttherapy week (p < 0.05). Regarding to cosmetic outcomes, no differences between techniques were observed for patient and professionals (p > 0.05). Significantly higher chair time was required for the scalpel technique than for the Nd:YAG laser therapy (p < 0.05). The Nd:YAG laser or the scalpel technique may be successfully used for the treatment of melanin gingival hyperpigmentation. However, the use of the Nd:YAG laser has presented advantages in terms of less discomfort/pain during the posttherapy period and a reduction of treatment chair time.

• Authors: Fernanda V Ribeiro, Clara P Cavaller, Renato C V Casarin, Márcio Z Casati, Fabiano R Cirano, Maristela Dutra-Corrêa, Suzana P Pimentel
• Journal: Lasers in medical science (Lasers Med Sci) Vol. 29 Issue 2 Pg. 537-44 (Mar 2014) ISSN: 1435-604X [Electronic] England
• PMID: 23291916 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Gingival Diseases (surgery)
• Humans
• Hyperpigmentation (surgery)
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Lasers, Solid-State (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Postoperative Care
• Postoperative Period
• Surgery, Plastic (methods)
• Treatment Outcome