Gingival Depigmentation

• Main Authors: Raju Y Anarthe, Amit M Mani, Vinay H Vadvadgi, Shriram Suresh Kendre, Snehal B Sinare, Shruti S Deshmukh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2021-01-01
• Series: Journal of Dental Research and Review
• Subjects: depigmentation; gingiva; hyperpigmentation; scalpel technique
• Online Access: http://www.jdrr.org/article.asp?issn=2348-2915;year=2021;volume=8;issue=1;spage=51;epage=54;aulast=Anarthe

Gingival hyperpigmentation is the condition where melanin deposition occurs in the suprabasal cell layers of the gingival epithelium. Gingival hyperpigmentation is a multifactorial benign condition which causes esthetic concern to the person. Melanin is a nonhemoglobin-derived pigment formed by melanocytes, which are dendritic cells of neuroectodermal origin in the basal and spinous layers. Melanin is a brown-colored pigment, and it is the result of endogenous pigmentation. The deposition of melanin pigment darkens the color of the gingiva. Many individuals visit the dentist or periodontist to seek the treatment of hyperpigmentation of the gingiva. Gingival pigmentation is usually considered as a genetic factor and affects different races differently. Various treatment modalities are available to remove gingival hyperpigmentation which includes scalpel technique, abrasion using diamond bur, laser therapy, electrosurgery, cryotherapy, chemical cauterization, depigmentation followed by gingival autografts, or platelet-rich fibrin. The present case report describes the case of gingival hyperpigmentation managed by scalpel technique and abrasions by diamond bur which is a simple and a cost-effective technique with satisfactory results.