BACKGROUND. Surgical excision and debridement is the standard therapy
for cutaneous and intraoral pyogenic granulomas (PGs). Occasionally th
e mass of granulation tissue proves unresponsive to the usual treatmen
t methods. OBJECTIVE. We report a case in which the flashlamp pulsed d
ye laser (PDL), previously reported as useful in cutaneous PGs, was us
ed in a patient with persistent granulation tissue around dental impla
nt posts. METHODS. An illustrative case is presented with a brief disc
ussion of the use of lasers in dentistry and in the treatment of PGs.
RESULTS. Previously resolute tissue responded well to a series of trea
tments with the PDL. CONCLUSION. The PDL may have utility in this oral
condition, providing a new venue for cooperation between dentists and
dermatologists. (C) 1998 by the American Society for Dermatologic Sur
gery, Inc. Dermatol Surg 1998;24:845-848.