A Comparative Evaluation of Two Different Techniques for Esthetic Management of Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation: A Clinical Study
Author(s): Hatim Barrak A. AlOsaimi
Abstract
Introduction: The colour of gingiva influences the smile of person, hence the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of gingival depigmentation by scalpel and electro-surgery on patient’s response, healing and recurrence of pigmentation. Materials and methods: A total number of 18 patients, 16 males and 2 females aged between 18 to 30 years, reported to the clinic, college of dentistry, Prince Sattam Bin Abdul Aziz University, Alkharj, with the common chief complain of “grayish blackish gums” which affected the aesthetics of their smile. The techniques followed in the present study were the scalpel surgical technique and electrocautary as these consumed less time and could be carried out easily. Patients were recalled post-operatively to evaluate healing and recurrence of pigmentation. Intraoral pictures were taken at every follow-up visit to compare the progress and also to access the occurrence of any repigmentation. One way ANOVA and unpaired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results: The results achieved for all the patients were satisfactory and pleasant. No post-operative complications like pain, infection, bleeding nor scarring was observed during the follow up visits. The patients were recalled for a follow-up up to a period of 6 months for scalpel depigmentation cases and 6 months for electrosurgical cases. There were no signs of repigmentation and the patients are being monitored longitudinally for any reoccurrences of pigmentation. Conclusion: Both the surgical and electrocautary procedures for gingival depigmentation were successful and our patients were satisfied with the results achieved. Hence we conclude that surgical technique still serves as the simplest and effective depigmentation technique. During the follow-up period, no recurrence of gingival hyper-pigmentation was found with both the techniques employed in this study.