Novel flapless esthetic procedure for the elimination of extended gingival metal tattoos adjacent to prosthetic teeth: Er:YAG laser micro-keyhole surgery.

PURPOSE: This article describes a novel, minimally invasive procedure called Er:YAG laser micro-keyhole surgery (EL-MIKS) that removes metal or amalgam tattoos in the gingiva adjacent to prosthetic teeth without gingival deformity and recession. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EL-MIKS for removing metal tattoos and present its long-term treatment outcomes. METHODS: The EL-MIKS procedure consists of several steps that are all performed under a microscope. First, a micro-keyhole (1-2 mm diameter) was prepared using an Er:YAG laser in the center of the metal pigmentation. The connective tissue was evaporated in the deep layer, where metal debris was deposited. Second, within the accessible range, the irradiation angle was changed in various directions to ablate the metal pieces and discolored connective tissue without enlarging the keyhole. Finally, after blood filled the space created by the tissue evaporation, the surface of the blood clot at the entrance of the micro-keyhole was thermally coagulated with defocus laser irradiation. Pigmentation that could not be successfully removed from a single micro-keyhole was treated by forming new micro-keyholes at a distance of 3 mm or more from each previously created hole. Depigmentation over an extended area was completed over a few sessions every 4 weeks without gingival recession after surgery. CONCLUSION: EL-MIKS, a novel depigmentation technique, was able to successfully remove an extended area of metal tattoos in the gingiva using a simpler, easier, and less invasive procedure than conventional periodontal plastic surgery. Esthetic restoration was successfully achieved without postoperative alteration of the gingival contour.

A novel minimally-invasive approach for metal tattoo removal with Er:YAG laser.

OBJECTIVE: Few effective and established treatment methods can remove gingival metal or amalgam tattoos. With this case series, we aimed to demonstrate the use of a novel minimally invasive technique to remove metal tattoos using an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected clinical data from 18 patients who had undergone Er:YAG laser treatment to remove metal tattoos. Minimal gingival ablation using an Er:YAG laser directed towards the pigmented area was performed, which exposed metal debris within the connective tissue that was carefully removed. A dental microscope was employed to identify the metal debris, for accurate irradiation, and to minimize wounding by reducing invasion. Postoperative gingival color and morphology, and visual analog scale as a patient-reported outcome assessing postoperative pain were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients' metal tattoos were removed completely and safely during short procedures. Considerable esthetic improvements and favorable wound healing were achieved with almost no postoperative pain or complications. CONCLUSION: The findings from this case series suggest that this novel minimally invasive therapy for metal tattoo removal that involved the Er:YAG laser is effective and safe, is associated with successful outcomes, and contributes greatly to patients' esthetic satisfaction. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Metal tattoo removal using an Er:YAG laser safely and successfully improved gingival esthetics. This novel technique is much simpler and less invasive than conventional periodontal plastic surgery, and it may be more reliable regarding esthetic gingival improvements as it is associated with favorable wound healing, and it could offer significant benefits to patients by alleviating physical and mental stresses via reduced chair time and postoperative pain.

Current status of clinical laser applications in periodontal therapy.

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by bacterial infection. Laser treatment demonstrates specific characteristics that may be valuable in managing periodontal disease. In addition, lasers reduce stress and uncomfortable conditions for patients during and after treatment compared to other conventional tools. This article reviews the literature to describe the current clinical applications of lasers for gingival tissue management-including esthetic treatment, non-surgical and surgical periodontal pocket therapy, osseous surgery, and implant therapy.