Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation
Background: With increasing awareness of oral health and esthetics, the appearance of gingival tissues has become a significant concern. Gingival pigmentation, particularly melanin-induced darkening, can affect smile aesthetics. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of liquid nitrogen...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Oral Research and Review |
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| Online Access: | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jorr.jorr_58_24 |
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| author | S. Sankethguddad K. A. Kamala |
| author_facet | S. Sankethguddad K. A. Kamala |
| author_sort | S. Sankethguddad |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background:
With increasing awareness of oral health and esthetics, the appearance of gingival tissues has become a significant concern. Gingival pigmentation, particularly melanin-induced darkening, can affect smile aesthetics. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of liquid nitrogen (LN) cryosurgery in reducing melanin-induced pigmentation of the gums.
Materials and Methods:
Twelve systemically healthy subjects aged 18–40 years (mean age: 21 ± 4.5 years) with clinically evident gingival melanin hyperpigmentation were enrolled. Pigmentation levels were assessed using the Gingival Pigmentation Index. Cryosurgical treatment involved the application of LN to the labial gingiva of both the upper and lower front teeth using a precooled cotton swab. The swab was gently rolled over the area for 30 s. Standardized photographs were taken at several time points: Before the procedure, immediately afterward, and then at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months posttreatment. Color changes were evaluated using Red–Green–Blue (RGB) image analysis, and the results were statistically analyzed.
Results:
A significant increase in RGB values was observed at all follow-up intervals compared to baseline, indicating a reduction in pigmentation (P < 0.05). The improvement in gingival color was sustained over the 6 months in both arches.
Conclusion:
LN cryotherapy is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective method for treating gingival melanin hyperpigmentation, offering long-lasting improvements in the aesthetic appearance of the gums. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c13ac6e505614952990dd2bf18d4bdce |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2249-4987 2394-2541 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Oral Research and Review |
| spelling | doaj-art-c13ac6e505614952990dd2bf18d4bdce2025-08-20T03:59:25ZengWolters Kluwer Medknow PublicationsJournal of Oral Research and Review2249-49872394-25412025-07-0117212512910.4103/jorr.jorr_58_24Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentationS. SankethguddadK. A. KamalaBackground: With increasing awareness of oral health and esthetics, the appearance of gingival tissues has become a significant concern. Gingival pigmentation, particularly melanin-induced darkening, can affect smile aesthetics. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of liquid nitrogen (LN) cryosurgery in reducing melanin-induced pigmentation of the gums. Materials and Methods: Twelve systemically healthy subjects aged 18–40 years (mean age: 21 ± 4.5 years) with clinically evident gingival melanin hyperpigmentation were enrolled. Pigmentation levels were assessed using the Gingival Pigmentation Index. Cryosurgical treatment involved the application of LN to the labial gingiva of both the upper and lower front teeth using a precooled cotton swab. The swab was gently rolled over the area for 30 s. Standardized photographs were taken at several time points: Before the procedure, immediately afterward, and then at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months posttreatment. Color changes were evaluated using Red–Green–Blue (RGB) image analysis, and the results were statistically analyzed. Results: A significant increase in RGB values was observed at all follow-up intervals compared to baseline, indicating a reduction in pigmentation (P < 0.05). The improvement in gingival color was sustained over the 6 months in both arches. Conclusion: LN cryotherapy is a safe, minimally invasive, and effective method for treating gingival melanin hyperpigmentation, offering long-lasting improvements in the aesthetic appearance of the gums.https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jorr.jorr_58_24cryosurgeryesthetic dentistrygingival pigmentationliquid nitrogenmelanin hyperpigmentation |
| spellingShingle | S. Sankethguddad K. A. Kamala Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation Journal of Oral Research and Review cryosurgery esthetic dentistry gingival pigmentation liquid nitrogen melanin hyperpigmentation |
| title | Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation |
| title_full | Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation |
| title_fullStr | Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation |
| title_full_unstemmed | Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation |
| title_short | Clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation |
| title_sort | clinical evaluation of liquid nitrogen cryosurgery in the management of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation |
| topic | cryosurgery esthetic dentistry gingival pigmentation liquid nitrogen melanin hyperpigmentation |
| url | https://journals.lww.com/10.4103/jorr.jorr_58_24 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ssankethguddad clinicalevaluationofliquidnitrogencryosurgeryinthemanagementofgingivalmelaninhyperpigmentation AT kakamala clinicalevaluationofliquidnitrogencryosurgeryinthemanagementofgingivalmelaninhyperpigmentation |