GINGIVAL DEPIGMENTATION BY GINGIVAL CERAMIC TRIMMER

A CASE SERIES

Abstract

Cosmetic desires have improved with time and current trends speak volumes about gingival esthetics and smile designing. Gingival hyperpigmentation plays a negative role in an otherwise acceptable 'smile window'. In the present world, people are concerned more about their esthetics. Several techniques have been employed such as scalpel, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemical agents, abrasion, and laser method for the removal of melanin hyperpigmentation. The present case series were aimed to assess the efficacy of gingival soft tissue ceramic trimmer in gingival hyperpigmentation. Pain index (VAS), healing index (Landry, Turnbull & Howley index) and pigmentation index (Takashi et al. 2005) were evaluated to assess its efficacy. The results showed that ceramic trimmer has a lower pain index and a better healing index and delayed re-pigmentation index than rest all other procedures. Thus, it can be concluded that ceramic trimmer might prove to be a boon in achieving aesthetic satisfaction and could be used for depigmentation as it is very cost-effective, readily available and acceptable to the patient.