Asian Journal of Dental Sciences

Diagnosis about Graphite Tattoo, an Excisional Biopsy Assay: A Case Report

Bharath Vardhana *

Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.

Vojjala Bhargavi

VRAJ Group of Dental Clinics, Ahmedabad, India.

Priya Subramaniam

Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, The Oxford Dental College and Hospital, Bangalore, India.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Background: Amalgam tattoos and graphite tattoos are most common lesions of exogenous origin. Graphite tattoos mainly result from accidental injury from the tip of the pencil being inserted into the oral mucosa. A 4-year-old male patient reported to the department for evaluation of pigmentation present in the left hard palate. The patients mother gave a history of trauma.
Aim of the Study: To excise and diagnose a palatal lesion, resembling a graphite tattoo. 
Conclusion: Excisional biopsy of the lesion was performed to provide a definitive diagnosis, prevent discomfort, and avoid any future complications. The particles are not selective for vessels, nerves, collagen fibers, or the basement membrane. The graphite particles may be randomly distributed in the connective tissue or around vessels and along fibres.

Keywords: Amalgam tattoos, collagen fibers, physiologic pigmentation, metallic silver

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