Evaluation of the effects of different surgical methods applied to gingiva on elimination of melanin pigmentation

In recent years, stronger need for esthetics and growing cosmetic demand for a pleasing smile has made many individuals, more conscious of the black or dark patches of pigmentation on the facial aspects of gingiva that may be strikingly apparent during smile and speech. Elimination of these melanotic areas through surgery, laser surgery, as well as by cryosurgical procedures has reported. These treatment modalities are not widely accepted or popularly used. In this respect, the aim of this study was evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new depigmantation technique in the elimination of gingival melanin pigmentation compared with oral epithelium abrasion. 12 patients related with 18 upper and lower jaw presenting bilateral gingival melanin pigmentation was selected fort his study. Each side of pigmentation was randomly asssigned to be part of a group. The sites of experimental group had an APD. On the opposite side, the oral epitelium was removed with gingivoplasty. The healing process was evaluated at 6,12,18 months postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed by classification of Hedin?s modified pigmentation, ceratinized gingival vertical height, gingival recession from pretreatment. The patients were asked to fill in the treatment evaluation forms at the seventh day after the operation. Images of the site?s follow-up were digitalized, and occurrence and quantification of clinical repigmentation were evaluated. There were no significant difference between all follow-up periods of ceratinized gingival vertical height and gingival recession amounts. Among the patients participated in our study, the comfort and pleasure after the treatment was more positive in APD group. Comparing the values of Hedin?s modified pigmentation classification of gingivoplasty and APD, there were statistically no significant difference between all time periods was observed. Comparing the repigmented surface rates between all time periods, statistically no significant difference was observed. According to our results, it can be concluded that, APD may be succesfully used in the elimination or greater reduction of gingival melanin pigmentations, and is more efficent than gingivoplastiy after 18 months.