Gingival Depigmentation : a Review

Abstract

A beautiful smile surely enhances the individual’s self-confidence. The harmony of smile is attributable to the shape, color, and position of the teeth in conjunction with the gingival tissue. Gingival pigmentation occurs in all races of man, varies from one race to another & caused by a variety of external and endogenous sources. Excessive deposition of melanocytic pigmentation has a significant impact on aesthetics and also produces psychological distress. A periodontal plastic surgery procedure called gingival depigmentation eliminates or reduces hyperpigmentation. Although there are numerous depigmentation procedures available to treat this problem, but there is a lack of research to aid clinicians in selecting the best effective approach. As a result, the goal of this review is to assess the existing depigmentation therapies. Cryosurgery, followed by lasers, has been reported by many studies to be superior procedures, with better aesthetic results and a low recurrence rates. However, additional randomized controlled long term studies are needed to better understand the efficiency and effectiveness of present approaches.