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Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and clinical features of pigmented oral lesions from Thailand. Materials and Methods Biopsy records of the Department of Oral Pathology, Chulalongkorn University, Department of Oral Diagnosis, KhonKaen University, Department of Oral Biology and Oral Diagnostic Sciences, Chiangmai University, Department of Stomatology, Prince of Songkla University, and Rangsit University were reviewed for oral pigmented lesions diagnosed during 1999 to 2019. Demographic data were culled from the biopsy records. Ages of the patients were subdivided into 10-year intervals. Locations of the lesions were classified as gingiva, labial/buccal mucosa, palate, floor of the mouth, tongue, as well as the combination of sites. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using SPSS version 20.0. Results Of the 47,175 accessioned cases, 241 cases (0.51%) were diagnosed in the category of pigmented oral lesions. The age of the patients ranged from 1 month to 88 years with the mean ± standard deviation = 38.74 ± 20.96 years. Regarding gender, 172 patients (71.37%) with pigmented lesions were females, while 69 patients (28.63%) were males. The female-to-male ratio was 2.49:1. The majority of the pigmented lesions were encountered at the gingiva (29.88%) followed by labial/buccal mucosa (26.97%), palate (14.94%), lip (10.79%), alveolar mucosa (9.54%), and others (7.88%), respectively. The three most common pigmented oral lesions in the present study were nevus (39.83%), followed by melanotic macule (28.63%) and amalgam tattoo (17.43%), respectively. Conclusions The most common pigmented oral lesion in the present study is nevus. Demographic data of the patients in the present study are in accordance with previous studies with minor differences. Even though pigmented lesions of the oral cavity constitute a small portion of the oral pathology biopsies, accurate diagnosis is important since there is an overlap in clinical appearance of benign pigmented lesions and melanoma.

Pigmentation is a common clinical finding of an oral cavity, but a proper diagnosis of the lesions is very challenging. Pigmentation can be focal, multifocal, associated with systemic/genetic disorder, or due to exogenous agents. Pigmented lesions are either melanocytic or nonmelanocytic. Pigmented lesions of the oral cavity have a broad spectrum of diversity. They present as racial pigmentation, innocuous lesions (amalgam tattoo, oral melanotic macule), benign nevi, and life-threatening malignant melanoma, and they can also produce a diagnostic dilemma. Thus, a proper diagnosis of a pigmented lesion in an early stage is very important for the accurate treatment plan. In this review, pigmented lesions of the oral cavity are briefly discussed.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:35:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Oral pigmented lesions can be physiological or pathological, exogenous or endogenous, as well as focal, multifocal, or diffuse. Among them, the oral melanotic macule (OMM) is a small, well-delimited brown-to-black macule, often affecting the lip and gingiva. Amalgam tattoo (AT) is a grey or black area of discoloration on the oral mucosa as a result of entry of dental amalgam into the soft tissues, commonly gingiva and alveolar ridge. Herein, we present a patient with gingival pigmentation with features of both OMM and AT in the same location. Department of Pediatric Dentistry Riberão Preto Dental School (FORP/USP) University of São Paulo, Riberão Preto Department of Diagnosis and Surgery Araraquara Dental School Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Oral Pathology Department of Stomatology Public Oral Health and Forensic Dentistry Ribeirão Preto Dental School (FORP/USP) University of São Paulo, Riberão Preto Department of Diagnosis and Surgery Araraquara Dental School Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)

BACKGROUND Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a developing approach for noninvasive detection of oral lesions with label-free contrast and cellular-level resolution. For access into the oral cavity, confocal microscopes are being configured with small-diameter telescopic probes and small objective lenses. However, a small probe and objective lens allows for a rather small field-of-view relative to the large areas of tissue that must be examined for diagnosis. To extend the field-of-view for intraoral RCM imaging, we are investigating a video-mosaicking approach. METHODS A relay telescope and objective lens were adapted to an existing confocal microscope for access into the oral cavity. Imaging was performed using metal three-dimensional-printed objective lens front-end caps with coverslip windows to contact and stabilize the tissue and set depth. Four healthy volunteers (normal oral mucosa), one patient (with an amalgam tattoo) in a clinical setting, and 20 anesthetized patients (with oral squamous cell carcinoma [OSCC]) in a surgical setting were imaged. Instead of the usual still RCM images, videos were recorded and then processed into video-mosaics. Thirty video-mosaics were read and qualitatively assessed by an expert reader of RCM images of the oral mucosa. RESULTS Whereas the objective lens' native field-of-view is 0.75 mm × 0.75 mm, the video-mosaics display larger areas, ranging from 2 mm × 2 mm to 4 mm × 2 mm, with resolution, morphologic detail, and image quality that is preserved relative to that observed in the original videos (individual images). Video-mosaics in healthy volunteers' and the patients' images showed cellular morphologic patterns in the lower epithelium and at the epithelial junction, and connective tissue along with capillary loops and blood flow in the deeper lamina propria. In OSCC, tumor nests could be observed along with normal looking mucosa in margin areas. CONCLUSIONS Video-mosaicking is a reasonably quick and efficient approach for extending the field-of-view of RCM imaging, which can, to some extent, overcome the inherent limitation of an intraoral probe's small field-of-view. Reading video-mosaics can mimic the procedure for examining pathology: initial visualization of the spatial cellular and morphologic patterns of the tumor and the spread of tumor margins over larger areas of the lesion, followed by digitally zooming (magnifying) for closer inspection of suspicious areas. However, faster processing of videos into video-mosaics will be necessary, to allow examination of video-mosaics in real-time at the bedside. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Black and brown pigmentation of the oral mucosa can occur due to a multitude of non-neoplastic causes. Endogenous or exogenous pigments may be responsible for oral discoloration which can range from innocuous to life-threatening in nature. Physiologic, reactive, and idiopathic melanin production seen in smoker’s melanosis, drug-related discolorations, melanotic macule, melanoacanthoma and systemic diseases are presented. Exogenous sources of pigmentation such as amalgam tattoo and black hairy tongue are also discussed. Determining the significance of mucosal pigmented lesions may represent a diagnostic challenge for clinicians. Biopsy is indicated whenever the source of pigmentation cannot be definitively identified based on the clinical presentation.

Background Pigmented lesions are uncommon in the oral mucosa, and studies investigating the incidence and types of these lesions are desired to improve the diagnostic knowledge of clinicians. The aim of this study was to analyze the distribution of oral pigmented lesions in a Brazilian population. Material and Methods A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. Oral pigmented lesions were retrieved from the files of two oral and maxillofacial pathology services from Brazil over a 45-year period (1974-2019). The clinical data and the diagnoses of each case were retrieved and included in a Microsoft Excel® database. Results From 77.074 lesions diagnosed in this period, 761 (0.99%) represented pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa, including 351 (46.1%) melanocytic and 410 (53.9%) non-melanocytic lesions, with a higher incidence in females (73.2%) between the fourth and seventh decades of life. Amalgam tattoo (53.6%) represented the most common lesion, followed by melanotic macule (18.3%) and racial pigmentation (10.8%). Other pigmented lesions included nevus (9.9%), post-inflammatory pigmentation (3%), melanoma (2.1%), melanoacanthoma (1.4%), smoker's melanosis (0.4%), drug-induced pigmentation (0.3%), and melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (0.1%). The buccal mucosa was the most commonly affected site (25.2%), followed by the alveolar ridge (14.5%), and gingiva (11.8%). Conclusions The current findings were similar to previous studies with minor differences due methodology and characteristics of the services from where lesions were retrieved. The knowledge of these data may contribute to a better understanding of oral pigmented lesions and assist clinicians to better recognize and manage them. Key words:Pigmented lesions, pigmentation, melanin, amalgam, oral cavity.

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.

Amalgam tattoos are a serious cosmetic problem for patients. A 35-year-old woman came to a private periodontal practice complaining of black pigmentation (amalgam tattoo) above temporary crowns on the lateral and central maxillary incisors and asked that the cosmetic problem be solved before the new permanent crowns were cemented into place. A full-thickness coronoapical incision was made to raise a thick flap; another incision parallel to the surface of the alveolar mucosa made it possible to remove the pigmented connective tissue, which was sent for histologic examination. Due to the fact that the pigmentation extended into the gingival epithelium, the gingiva of the lateral and central incisors was completely removed, with a horizontal incision in the alveolar mucosa from the ends of the distal releasing incisions. Therefore, partially denuded alveolar bone was used as the recipient site for a free gingival graft (FGG). The histologic analysis revealed the presence of amalgam fragments of different sizes in both connective tissue and epithelium. At 6 months, 3 years, and 24 years postoperatively, the periodontal tissues appeared healthy, and the treated area was pink, without pigmentation or scarring, and was perfectly integrated with the adjacent tissues. The patient was very pleased with her appearance. A one-stage procedure, namely an FGG, should be considered an effective treatment of amalgam tattoo providing positive morphologic and cosmetic outcomes over a 24-year follow-up period.

Objective When pigmentations appeared in the esthetic zone and were visible during the patient's smile, they were very disconcerting. There are multiple techniques to eradicate or ameliorate these discolorations. This article will address those pigmentations caused by amalgam particles. Clinical considerations Keratinized gingival grafts were used to cover and mask these pigmentations. In addition, connective tissue grafts were used to aid in the elimination of the external pigmentation. Conclusions Both techniques were shown to be very effective in masking or eliminating these unesthetic pigmentations. Long-term follow-up has shown these results to be stable with no recurrence of the pigmentation. Clinical significance Unesthetic pigmentations in the esthetic zone that are visible during a patient's smile are very disconcerting. Elimination of these unesthetic discolorations can make a dramatic improvement in the patient's smile.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate clinical, demographic, and histopathological characteristics of pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 64-year period. Information was collected from medical charts, and all archived histopathological specimens with diagnoses of any pigmented lesion were retrieved. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. RESULTS A total of 34,127 archived specimens were reviewed, revealing 458 (1.34%) pigmented lesions, of which 230 were melanocytic and 228 nonmelanocytic. Most patients were females (74.2%), white-skinned (49.1%), in the third and seventh decades of life (mean of 45 years). Most lesions were macular (59.8%), followed by plaques and nodules (4.8%), measuring 0-5 mm (41.9%). Cheek mucosa (21.0%), alveolar mucosa (16.6%), and gingiva (11.8%) were the most commonly affected sites. Amalgam tattoo was applied in 212 cases (46.3%), followed by melanotic macule (22.9%) and nevus (20.5%). Other diagnoses included racial pigmentation, exogenous pigmentation, melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy, melanoma, melanoacanthoma, smoker's melanosis, and heavy metal pigmentation. CONCLUSIONS Pigmented lesions represent an uncommon diagnosis in oral pathology routines. The most frequent entities are amalgam tattoo, melanotic macule, and nevus. Patients are usually middle-aged women presenting a small, long-lasting, macular lesion on the cheek mucosa.

Periodontal health is defined by absence of clinically detectable inflammation. There is a biological level of immune surveillance that is consistent with clinical gingival health and homeostasis. Clinical gingival health may be found in a periodontium that is intact, i.e. without clinical attachment loss or bone loss, and on a reduced periodontium in either a non-periodontitis patient (e.g. in patients with some form of gingival recession or following crown lengthening surgery) or in a patient with a history of periodontitis who is currently periodontally stable. Clinical gingival health can be restored following treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis. However, the treated and stable periodontitis patient with current gingival health remains at increased risk of recurrent periodontitis, and accordingly, must be closely monitored. Two broad categories of gingival diseases include non-dental plaque biofilm-induced gingival diseases and dental plaque-induced gingivitis. Non-dental plaque biofilm-induced gingival diseases include a variety of conditions that are not caused by plaque and usually do not resolve following plaque removal. Such lesions may be manifestations of a systemic condition or may be localized to the oral cavity. Dental plaque-induced gingivitis has a variety of clinical signs and symptoms, and both local predisposing factors and systemic modifying factors can affect its extent, severity, and progression. Dental plaque-induced gingivitis may arise on an intact periodontium or on a reduced periodontium in either a non-periodontitis patient or in a currently stable "periodontitis patient" i.e. successfully treated, in whom clinical inflammation has been eliminated (or substantially reduced). A periodontitis patient with gingival inflammation remains a periodontitis patient (Figure 1), and comprehensive risk assessment and management are imperative to ensure early prevention and/or treatment of recurrent/progressive periodontitis. Precision dental medicine defines a patient-centered approach to care, and therefore, creates differences in the way in which a "case" of gingival health or gingivitis is defined for clinical practice as opposed to epidemiologically in population prevalence surveys. Thus, case definitions of gingival health and gingivitis are presented for both purposes. While gingival health and gingivitis have many clinical features, case definitions are primarily predicated on presence or absence of bleeding on probing. Here we classify gingival health and gingival diseases/conditions, along with a summary table of diagnostic features for defining health and gingivitis in various clinical situations. ispartof: JOURNAL OF PERIODONTOLOGY vol:89 pages:S74-S84 ispartof: location:IL, Chicago status: published

none 10 no Oral pigmentations (OPs) are often neglected, although a meticulous examination of the oral cavity is important not only in the diagnosis of oral melanoma, but also for the detection of important clinical findings that may indicate the presence of a systemic disease. OPs may be classified into two major groups on the basis of their clinical appearance: focal and diffuse pigmentations, even though this distinction may not appear so limpid in some cases. The former include amalgam tattoo, melanocytic nevi, melanoacanthoma and melanosis, while the latter include physiological/racial pigmentations, smoker's melanosis, drug-induced hyperpigmentations, postinflammatory hyperpigmentations and OPs associated with systemic diseases. We will discuss the most frequent OPs and the differential diagnosis with oral mucosal melanoma (OMM), underlining the most frequent lesions that need to undergo a bioptic examination and lesions that could be proposed for a sequential follow-up. none Lambertini, M; Patrizi, A; Fanti, P A; Melotti, B; Caliceti, U; Magnoni, C; Misciali, C; Baraldi, C; Ravaioli, G M; Dika, E Lambertini, M; Patrizi, A; Fanti, P A; Melotti, B; Caliceti, U; Magnoni, C; Misciali, C; Baraldi, C; Ravaioli, G M; Dika, E

Purpose The grey-bluish discoloration of gingiva (known as “amalgam tattoo”) does not appear only in the presence of amalgam restorations. It may also be seen in cases of teeth restored with cast dowels and porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) restorations. The aim of this article was to determine the clinical characteristics of abutment teeth with gingival discoloration. Materials and Methods This research was conducted on 25 patients referred for cast dowel and PFM restorations. These restorations were manufactured from Ni-Cr alloys. Ninety days after cementing the fixed prosthodontic restorations, the abutment teeth (n = 61) were divided into a group with gingival discoloration (GD) (n = 25) and without gingival discoloration (NGD) (n = 36). The control group (CG) comprised the contralateral teeth (n = 61). Plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depth were assessed before fabrication and also 90 days after cementation of the PFM restorations. Results The gingival index, clinical attachment level, and probing depths of the abutment teeth that had GD were statistically higher before restoration, in comparison with the abutment teeth in the NGD and control groups. Ninety days after cementation, the abutment teeth with GD had significantly lower gingival indexes and probing depths, compared to the abutment teeth in the NGD group. Both abutment teeth groups (GD and NGD) had significantly higher values of clinical attachment levels when compared to the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in plaque index values between the study groups. Conclusions The results of this study indicated that impairment of periodontal status of abutment teeth seemed to be related to the presence of gingival discolorations. Therefore, fabrication of fixed prosthodontic restorations requires careful planning and abutment teeth preparation to minimize the occurrence of gingival discolorations. Clinical relevance: With careful preparation of abutment teeth for cast dowels and crown restorations it may be possible to decrease the frequency of gingival discolorations adjacent to abutment teeth.

We report an unusual case of a 1.5-cm dark macule on the edentulous posterior mandibular alveolar ridge. The lesion affected a 62-year-old woman referred by a clinician to the oral medicine service with suspect of melanoma. Clinical investigation found no signs of pain and discomfort. The patient stated she had not noticed the lesion previously. An excisional biopsy was performed and during the excision a loose brownish granular material within the submucosa and over the mandibular bone surface was seen. This material was curetted and submitted for microscopic evaluation. The histopathologic report described a loosely organized connective tissue with blackened granular agglomerates that also stained the elastic collagen fibers dispersed in the matrix and in the vessel wall leading to a foreign body–type granuloma with focal argyrosis (amalgam tattoo). Postsurgical follow-up of 11 months was uneventful.

Melanoacanthoma is a blackened mucocutaneous lesion, mainly affecting individuals with dark skin and exhibiting rapid development. Differential diagnosis includes nevus, amalgam tattoo and melanoma. This article reports a case of a 53-year-old white woman, who exhibited multiple blackened lesions on the gingiva and upper lip. After incisional biopsy, the presence of numerous melanin-containing dendritic cells distributed throughout the epithelial thickness, which were S-100 (+), were observed microscopically. Final diagnosis was multifocal oral melanoacanthoma. Follow-up for 28 months has shown appearing of more lesions in gingiva and upper lip. Therefore, the importance of differential diagnosis of oral melanoma with the group of oral pigmented lesions, and possible associated systemic diseases were evaluated. Key words:Melanocytes, pigmentation, oral mucosa, gingiva, differential diagnosis.

Introduction: An amalgam tattoo is the most common form of exogenous oral pigmentation caused by the diffusion of dental amalgam into the soft tissue. Observation: Here we describe a case of diffuse pigmentation of amalgam on the hard palate. Discussion: Mucosal hyperpigmentation can occasionally be confused with melanotic lesions, thereby requiring a biopsy for differential diagnosis. Once the diagnosis of an amalgam tattoo has been established, the removal of the lesion is not necessary, except for aesthetic reasons.

O objetivo da pesquisa é realizar um estudo retrospectivo de lesões pigmentadas na mucosa bucal e discutir aspectos importantes de seu diagnóstico e tratamento diferenciado na prática odontológica. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo descritivo de lesões pigmentadas na cavidade oral que foram registradas e diagnosticadas na clínica de Estomatologia e laboratório de Patologia Oral por um período de 28 anos. Resultados: Ocorreram 172 casos de lesões pigmentadas em um total de 13.743 registros, correspondendo a uma prevalência de 1,25% neste serviço. O sexo feminino foi responsável por 61,6% dos casos. A faixa etária mais afetada foi de 31 a 40 anos (23,8%). A localização anatômica mais comum envolvida foi a mucosa da bochecha (20,19%), seguida pelo lábio inferior (19,2%) e crista alveolar (15,2%). Tatuagem de amálgama e mácula melanótica (33,1%) foram as lesões pigmentadas mais comuns, seguidas por nevo melanocítico (21,6%). A falta de algumas informações nos formulários de solicitação de biópsia foi a principal limitação do estudo. Conclusão: Lesões orais pigmentadas eram incomuns no serviço analisado, provavelmente porque nem todas foram encaminhadas para análise histopatológica. No entanto, um diagnóstico correto é importante para que os pacientes recebam tratamento adequado.

Oral pigmentation may be exogenous caused by deposition or introduction of some material in the oral mucosa or endogenous due to increased melanin production or the number of melanocytes. A white female patient, 33 years old, with a black stain located in the gingiva between teeth 34 and 35, approximately 5 mm in diameter, asymptomatic, with 4 months of evolution, was attended to in oral medicine. A periapical radiography was performed, which did not present alterations. The probable clinical diagnoses were an oral melanotic macule, amalgam tattoo, and oral nevi. After excisional biopsy, microscopic analysis revealed the presence of increased melanin pigmentation along the basal epithelial layer and metal fragments within the connective tissue. These characteristics confirm the rare diagnosis of mixed injury of oral melanotic macule and amalgam tattoo. After 6 months the patient did not present with a recurrence of the lesion and is in good health.

Introduction A new technique was performed for the removal of an amalgam tattoo (AT), consisting in mucoabrasion combined with a free connective tissue graft (FCTG). Case presentation A 59-year-old female presented with a large AT involving the alveolar mucosa and gingiva between teeth #7 and #8, where endodontic treatment and apicoectomy was performed 21 years ago. To avoid compromising esthetics, the lesion was managed with a new technique including mucoabrasion and an FCTG. At the 53-month follow-up, the patient exhibited a naturally appearing soft tissue with no evidence of the AT. Conclusion When performing a one-stage treatment of removing ATs in areas of high esthetic demand, it is possible to achieve good results and ideal gingival color.

Melanocytes are found throughout the oral mucosa but usually go unnoticed because of their relatively low level of pigment production. When focally or generally active in pigment production or proliferation they may be responsible for several affections in the oral mucosae ranging from physiologic pigmentation, systemic diseases to malignant neoplasms. The diagnosis of oral pigmentations (OP) is usually challenging for the physician, but a careful examination of the oral cavity may reveal the first manifestation of underlying systemic diseases. Therefore, a full medical history (including drug assumption and smoking) together with a general dermatological examination are mandatory and represent the first approach to OPs. When the diagnosis cannot be reached clinically with enough certainty, a biopsy for histological examination is needed, also in order to exclude possible life threatening conditions such as melanoma. Dermoscopy is another reliable diagnostic tool to make a differential diagnosis between melanocytic lesions and other conditions and then to manage the follow-up of patients. Few papers on the subject have been published in the dermatological literature and the oral cavity is often poorly investigated during routine dermatological examinations. We therefore decided to perform a review of benign OPs, classifying them into diffuse (physiological/racial pigmentations, smoker's melanosis, drug-induced hyperpigmentation, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, black hairy tongue, OPs associated to systemic diseases) and localized (amalgam tattoo, melanocytic nevi, melanoacanthoma, melanosis) lesions.

The majority of oral pigmentations are benign lesions such as nevi, melanotic macules, melanoacanthomas or amalgam tattoos. Conversely, mucosal melanomas are rare but often lethal; therefore, excluding oral melanomas in this setting is crucial. Reflectance confocal microscopy is a non-invasive, in vivo imaging system with cellular resolution that has been used to distinguish benign from malignant pigmented lesions in the skin, and more recently in the mucosa. However, lesions located posteriorly in the oral cavity are difficult to assess visually and difficult to biopsy due to their location. Herein we present a patient with previous multiple melanomas presenting with an oral amalgam tattoo in the buccal mucosa, which was imaged using an intraoral telescopic probe attached to a commercially available handheld RCM. In this case report we describe this novel probe, the first RCM description of an amalgam tattoo and we discuss its differences with the findings described in oral melanomas.

Amalgam tattoo, the most common exogenous oral pigmentation, can sometimes be confused with melanotic lesions, being then biopsied. We present the clinicopathological characteristics of 6 biopsied cases (5 females and 1 male) of oral amalgam pigmentation. The most common location was the gingival mucosa, followed by the buccal and palatal mucosa. Morphology and distribution (stromal, perivascular, perineural, endomysial) of pigmentation was variable; there was only 1 case with fibrous capsular reaction and likewise only a single case of granulomatous foreign body reaction. Morphological variability is conditioned by the timing and amount of the pigment deposit, which is often associated with infiltration by mast cells (CD117+), as well as overexpression of metallothionein and HLA-DR at different tissue levels.

Amalgam tattoos are common, asymptomatic, pigmented oral lesions that clinically exist as isolated, blue, gray, or black macules on the gingival, buccal, and alveolar mucosae, the palate, and/or the tongue. In this case report, the successful use of an erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet laser for the removal of an amalgam tattoo is explained. A 46-year-old man is presented with a half decade history of an amalgam tattoo on his left maxillary premolar–molar gingiva. Depigmentation procedure was performed under topical anesthesia with the use of an erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet laser at 2 W in the soft tissue pulsed mode for 10 min. The pigmented tissue was completely removed. The de-epithelialization area healed completely on the 10th day after treatment. The period of healing was uneventful. The amalgam tattoo was completely removed with erbium, chromium-doped:yttrium, scandium, gallium, and garnet laser, and the treated area healed without any adverse effect.