Treatment of oral hyperpigmentation and gummy smile using lasers and role of plasma as a novel treatment technique in dentistry: An introductory review

Nayansi Jha, Jae Jun Ryu, Rizwan Wahab, Abdulaziz A. Al-Khedhairy, Eun Ha Choi, Nagendra Kumar Kaushik

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Gingival hyperpigmentation and the condition known as gummy smile are very common dental cosmetic problems. Gingival hyperpigmentation arises due to the excess presence of melanin in certain regions of the gums. In the case of gummy smile, more than the required amount of gingival tissue is exposed upon smiling. An aesthetically pleasing smile should expose only a negligible amount of gingival tissue. Gummy smile and gingival hyperpigmentation can have detrimental effects on the aesthetic quality of a smile, and thereby a wide variety of treatment options must be taken into consideration depending patient outcome objectives. The use of a laser as a treatment modality is considered to be a promising option for such cases. We aim to explain the effects of using a laser on the gingiva and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this type of treatment and the resulting alteration of the genetic composition of the gingival tissue. This article reviews the histological aspects and biological effects of a laser treatment for oral hyperpigmentation and gummy smile and analyzes the use of the laser as a modality to improve the smiles of people with hyperpigmentation and excessive gingival display. We also attempt to provide insight into the use of plasma as a novel technology for medical and dental research and its future implications with regard to, dental soft tissue procedures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)20496-20509
Number of pages14
JournalOncotarget
Volume8
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Excessive gingival display
  • Gingival hyperpigmentation
  • Laser surgery
  • Melanosomes
  • Non-thermal plasma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology

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