THE ND: YAG LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF GINGIVAL HYPERTROPHY: A CASE REPORT

Introduction: The laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) protocol, leveraging the advanced capabilities of the Nd:YAG laser, is driving a paradigm shift in periodontal treatment, transitioning from traditional resective approaches to regenerative and reconstructive procedures. The aim of this report is to present a clinical case demonstrating the use of the Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) as an adjunct to full-mouth disinfection in the management of drug-induced gingival hypertrophy.

Methods: A 50-year-old male patient with amlodipine-related gingival hypertrophy presented to our clinic. A thorough periodontal evaluation was performed, including radiographic examinations and the completion of a periodontal chart. One month after drug replacement, supragingival and subgingival scaling and root planning, oral hygiene instructions, and chlorhexidine 0.20% rinses were continued. Finally, two sessions of Nd:YAG laser-assisted curettage were performed, spaced 40 days apart.

Results: The patient showed a continuous reduction in hypertrophy and pseudo-gingival pockets over time, until a normally colored gingiva with an absence of bleeding and further classic signs of inflammation was achieved.

Conclusions: Nd:YAG laser fiber optics, when introduced into the gingival pseudo-pockets, is effective in disintegrating periodontopathogen bacteria and sulcular debridement, demonstrating promising short-term benefits for patients with gingival hypertrophy. This technique should be considered as a complementary therapy, not a replacement, for traditional root scaling and root planing techniques, allowing the avoidance of resective surgical techniques conventionally used in cases of gingival hypertrophy.