Treatment of Altered Passive Eruption Related Gummy Smile

Abstract

Background: This report describes the management of a case with gummy smile by esthetic crown lengthening, along with gingival depigmentation using 980 nm diode laser. Methods: A 23 year old male patient reported with the demand for cosmetic correction of “gummy smile”. Various causes for excessive gingival display were ruled out and diagnosed to be altered passive eruption. Following Phase-I therapy, 980 nm diode laser was used to achieve the desired results. Results: The 1 to 6 months follow up showed excellent color and contour of gingiva. Healing was uneventful on evaluation. Conclusion: Correcting gummy smile with esthetic mucoginigval procedure, along with depigmentation gives esthetic as well as cosmetic benefits. Diode laser was used as it is known to be an excellent tool as compared with other conventional surgical procedures in terms of patient and operator comfort.