International Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry

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VOLUME 1 , ISSUE 2 ( July-September, 2011 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Black to Pink: Clinical Evaluation of Two Different Surgical Approaches for the Treatment of Hyperpigmentation

Anuradha Gurappa Bhatsange, S Japati

Citation Information : Bhatsange AG, Japati S. Black to Pink: Clinical Evaluation of Two Different Surgical Approaches for the Treatment of Hyperpigmentation. Int J Prosthodont Restor Dent 2011; 1 (2):136-139.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10019-1026

Published Online: 01-12-2013

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2011; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background

Gingival hyperpigmentation poses an esthetic concern to many patients. Techniques available to perform these procedures are mucosal stripping by scalpel, bur abrasion, partial thickness flap, gingivectomy, free gingival grafts, by use of chemotherapeutic agents, electrosurgery, cryosurgery and lasers. This paper compares two different surgical approaches for the treatment of hyperpigmentation with their advantages and disadvantages.

Methods

Gingival depigmentation procedure of the maxillary gingiva was carried out by scalpel technique and mandibular gingiva by electrosurgical method.

Results

Both the techniques yielded satisfactory results in eliminating the hyperpigmented areas. Follow-up was done after 1, 2 and 4 weeks and 1 year. At the end of 1 week, patient expressed slight tenderness and discomfort with the mandibular gingiva treated with electrosurgical method. Repigmentation appeared after 1 year on both arches but with less pigmentation on maxillary gingiva compared with mandibular gingiva.

Conclusion

Scalpel technique offers advantage of being easy, effective, less discomfort with esthetically acceptable results in comparison with electrosurgical method.


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