Treatment of Physiologic Gingival Pigmentation with Surgical Blade: A 25-Year Follow-up

Gingival hyperpigmentation in the anterior region in people with a high smile line is an esthetic concern. Gingival depigmentation can be achieved through various procedures. Most techniques have shown successful short-term results; however, recurrence is observed in 50% of patients after 2 to 4 years. A 46-yearold woman presenting with a large black zone of gingival hyperpigmentation in the anterior maxilla was treated with scalpel blade excision. At 25 years after the depigmentation procedure, the patient displayed no recurrence.