Comparison of Clinical Outcomes of Gingival Depigmentation Procedure Using Three Different Surgical Modalities – A Clinical Case Study

Gingival health and appearance are essential components of an attractive smile. Gingival pigmentation results from melanoblastic activity. ‘Black gums’ are common esthetic problem particularly in patients who have a very high smile line (gummy smile). Different treatment modalities have been reported for depigmentation of gingiva such as bur abrasion, scraping, partial thickness flap, cryotherapy, electrosurgery and laser. The following clinical study describes three different surgical depigmentation techniques: scalpel surgery,gingival abrasion with electrosurgery, and a diode laser. Better results of depigmentation were achieved with diode laser than conventional scalpel and with electrosurgery with respect to esthetics. The results point out that lasers are an effective and a safe means to removal of hyperpigmentation from the gingiva. Healing was uneventful and no repigmentation occurred and is good enough to achieve esthetic satisfaction and fair wound healing without infection or severe pain.