Résumé
Hyperpigmentation due to abnormal deposition of melanin often occurs in the gingiva, producing unsighty dark coloured areas ranging from light blue to black. In the present study we investigated the clinical effectiveness and patients' acceptability of Nd: YAG Laser treatment for the elimination of hyperpigmented areas of the gingiva. Twelve patients complaining of dark localized areas in their labial mucosa and gingiva of upper and lower jaws were included in this study. They were eight females and four males, their ages ranged from 16- 35 years with an average of 25 years. The patients were systemically free from any other diseases and had no other areas of hyperpigmentations. Most of the patients [11 patients] required only one treatment session to remove the melanotic lesions satisfactorily. The patients were seen after one and two weeks. Five patients [41.7%] had a good response after one week, while seven patients [58.3%] had a very good response after two weeks. Only one patient representing [8.3%] had a bad result and required a second treatment session after 2 weeks. Most of the patients had no post-operative discomfort including pain, oedema and disfigurement. Restoration of their gingiva was optimal giving satisfactory esthetic results. In conclusion we consider the Nd: YA G laser as an important mean to remove melanotic lesions of gingiva and it is well tolerated by the patients