EC Dental Science

This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted applications of cryotherapy in periodontics, focusing on its mechanisms, historical evolution, and clinical efficacy. Cryotherapy, utilizing intense cold to purposefully destroy tissue, emerges as a promising avenue in periodontal care, particularly in procedures such as gingival depigmentation and addressing specific conditions. The historical overview traces its roots from ancient cold therapies to modern cryosurgery techniques, showcasing its evolution and widespread adoption in medical and dental fields. The mechanisms of action highlight its effectiveness through reduced blood flow, metabolic activity, and neural inhibition, making it a virtually painless procedure. The review explores cryotherapy techniques, including open and closed systems, providing insights into controlled tissue freezing. In gingival depigmentation, cryotherapy proves valuable in achieving aesthetically pleasing results, with potential advantages over traditional techniques. A comparative analysis of cryotherapy methods in gingival hyperpigmentation treatment reveals varying outcomes, necessitating further research for a comprehensive understanding. The review also explores cryotherapy's applications beyond pigmentation, such as in managing localized juvenile spongiotic gingival hyperplasia and gum enlargement in Sturge-Weber syndrome patients. Despite drawbacks like unpredictable swelling, cryotherapy stands out as a valuable, patient-friendly tool in periodontics, offering non-invasive alternatives for various dental procedures. The abstract encapsulates the review's emphasis on cryotherapy's potential advancements, effectiveness, and versatility in periodontal treatment.

 Keywords: Cryotherapy; Periodontics; Gingival Depigmentation; Cryosurgery; Dental Support Structures; Mechanisms of Action; Comparative Analysis; Hyperpigmentation Treatment; Cryogenic Temperature Chamber; Cryogens; Joule-Thomson Principle; Gingival Plastic Surgery; Pediatric Periodontics; Sturge-Weber Syndrome; Tissue Freezing; Aesthetic Concerns; Non-Invasive Dentistry

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