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Case Reports
. 2016 Nov-Dec;6(6):385-388.
doi: 10.4103/amhsr.amhsr_442_12.

Scalpel Depigmentation and Surgical Crown Lengthening to Improve Anterior Gingival Esthetics

K C Chethana  1 , K Pradeep  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Scalpel Depigmentation and Surgical Crown Lengthening to Improve Anterior Gingival Esthetics

K C Chethana et al. Ann Med Health Sci Res. 2016 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

A smile is a mesmerizing expression of joy, success, courtesy and reveals self-confidence. The harmony of the smile is determined not only by the shape, position and the color of teeth, but also by the gingival architecture. Gingival tissues form an important part of what we can consider to be a pleasing smile. The elegance of this pleasant smile could be, affected by highly pigmented gingiva. This gingival pigmentation occurs as a result of melanin granules, which are produced by melanoblast. Although melanin pigmentation does not present a medical problem, demand for cosmetic therapy is commonly sort by people with moderately pigmented gingiva. This case report highlights, a case of excessive gingival display and hyperpigmentation treated with anterior crown lengthening and gingival depigmentation using the scalpel technique.

Keywords: Depigmentation; Gingiva; Melanin; Scalpel technique.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Pre-operative picture of a patient complaining of black colored gums
Figure 2
Figure 2
Incision was made along the attached gingiva
Figure 3
Figure 3
Post-operative site immediately after depigmentation
Figure 4
Figure 4
Epithelial layer and a thin layer of connective tissue were removed on the remaining attached gingiva
Figure 5
Figure 5
Surgical wound was protected by a periodontal dressing
Figure 6
Figure 6
Two week's post-operative picture
Figure 7
Figure 7
Comparison of pre-operative and post-operative picture after 3 months
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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