Er: YAG laser improves gingival esthetics by removing Metal tattoo, Study says

The study is published in the Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry.

Few effective and established treatment methods can remove gingival metal or amalgam tattoos. Hence, Risako Mikami and colleagues from the Department of Periodontology, Graduate school of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan carried out this study to demonstrate the use of a novel minimally invasive technique to remove metal tattoos using an erbium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) laser.

The authors 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.

The following key findings were highlighted-

1. All patients' metal tattoos were removed completely and safely during short procedures.
2. Considerable esthetic improvements and favorable wound healing were achieved with almost no postoperative pain or complications.

Therefore, the authors concluded that "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."