Amir Hossein Moaddabi - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Ali Moaddabi - Fellowship in Laser Dentistry, Private Practice, Iran
Fardis Fazli - Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Introduction: Oral melanin pigmentation occurs due to melanin deposition in melanocytes located in basal and supra basal layers of oral epithelium. Several etiologic factors have been contributed to oral melanin pigmentation like endocrine disorders, tobacco use. Materials and methods: Laser treatment of pigmentation is based on selective photothermolysis principle. Laser energy is transformed into ablation energy, resulting in cellular rupture and vaporization with minimal heating of the surrounding tissue. Different laser techniques have been used for treatment of oral melanin pigmentation, including erbium-doped, neodymium-doped and chromium and erbium-doped.Results: Advantages of laser treatment of oral melanin pigmentation include less postoperative discomfort and pain, lower chair time compared to scalpel technique, lower repigmentation rate (1.16%), less swelling and scarring and increased patient satisfaction from esthetic. However, this approach needs expensive and sophisticated equipment. Also personnel and patient need protection from laser beam. Conclusion: It seems that laser offers a convenient therapy with predictable results for treatment of gingival pigmentation.

laser, melanin pigmentation, oral epithelium pigmentation