Objective: To improve the aesthetics of the patient.
Introduction: Gingival pigmentation is a discoloration of oral mucosa or gingiva associated with several exogenous and endogenous factors. Endogenous factors include haemoglobin, bile pigments, melanin, hemosiderin while exogenous factors can be silver amalgam, graphite, lead, mercury, bismuth etc. Measurement of this can be done by various indices like Melanin Pigmentation Index, Oral Pigmentation Index and Smile Line classification.
Methodology: A 19-year-old female patient reported to outpatient department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology with a chief complaint of black colour of gums on upper front teeth region for the previous 3 years. After evaluating the patient’s condition (pigmentation index, skin colour), the de-epithelisation technique chosen was a combination of scalpel technique and gingival abrasion technique using a diamond bur.
Results: After a period of follow-up, satisfactory results were obtained with reduced pigmentation scores.
Conclusion: After a 1-year follow up, we found a decrease in pigmentation scores, and the patient was satisfied with clinical results. In this case presentation, we explore the benefits of the scalpel technique over other treatment options.
Keywords: Melanins, esthetics, gingiva
