The harmony of the smile is determined not only by the shape, position and colour of the teeth but also by the gingival tissues. Cosmetic expectations have increased with time and nowadays patients are more concerned with gingival aesthetics beside smile designing.
Patients who have a high smile line (gummy smile) commonly concerned about Gingival pigmentation and patients usually complain of dark gums as unaesthetic. Pigmentation has multifactorial aetiology. Most of the pigmentation is physiologic but sometimes it can be a because of systemic diseases or smoking.
Gingival depigmentation is a periodontal plastic surgical procedure whereby gingival hyperpigmentation is removed by different treatment modalities such as bur abrasion, scraping, partial thickness flap, cryosurgery, electrosurgery and laser. Gingival hyper pigments can also be masked by gingival grafting procedures and use of acellular dermal matrix allograft. Selection of particular treatment modalities depends on indication and contraindication of case.
The procedure is performed in 30 minutes under the effect of local anaesthesia. For faster recovery, antibiotics and painkiller medications are prescribed. Usually gums heal in 2-3 days and you can appreciate drastic results immediately.