Minimally invasive aesthetic management of gingival pigmentation with Er:YAG laser

Gingival melanin pigmentation is a frequent aesthetic concern, resulting from increased melanin production by melanocytes located in the basal and suprabasal layers of the oral epithelium. Its etiology ranges from physiological pigmentation to systemic pathologies. Gingival depigmentation aims to improve smile aesthetics using various surgical techniques, among which the Er:YAG laser is recognized for its precision and minimal thermal damage.

We report the case of a 34-year-old female patient with diffuse melanin hyperpigmentation in the anterior maxillary gingiva, treated with an Er:YAG laser. The procedure led to effective pigment removal, favorable wound healing, and high patient satisfaction. Clinical follow-up showed minimal postoperative discomfort, complete re-epithelialization within two weeks, and no gingival recession. However, slight residual pigmentation was noted.

This case highlights the effectiveness of the Er:YAG laser in gingival depigmentation, offering advantages in terms of patient comfort, healing quality, and aesthetic outcomes. Nevertheless, limitations include suboptimal hemostasis and a relatively high risk of repigmentation.