The aim of the study was to assesst the effect of cryosurgery by means of liquid
Nitrogen LN to manage the aesthetic problem caused by gingival melanin Pigmentation
(GMP). The study is composed of 20 patients who attended the department of oral
me
dicine at Tishreen University, Lattakia- Syria. Their chief complaint was GMP
between November 1st 2013 and April 1st 2016. The clinical observation included
caputuring photographs pre-procedure and 3 months, 6 months and a year post-procedure.
Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) was used as a reference to indicate the colour of
the pigmented areas degrees, and statistical analysis was performed by T-student test for
paired samples. Ablation of hyperpigmented gingiva was accomplished with minimal
discomfort and post-procedure healing was uneventful and with no post-pain. Such
statistical study revealed a significant difference between pre- and post-procedure
measurements of pigmented areas.
In conclusion, the application of cryosurgery using LN appears to be an effective and
safe method for elimination of GMP.