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| CASE REPORT |
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| Year : 2012 | Volume
: 2
| Issue : 3 | Page : 195-200 |
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Surgical esthetic correction for gingival pigmentation: Case series
Shilpi S Shah
Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| Date of Web Publication | 11-Jun-2013 |
Correspondence Address:
Shilpi S Shah
Department of Periodontology and Implantology, Ahmedabad Dental College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2229-5194.113259
 Abstract | | |
Gingival pigmentation is a major concern for a large number of patients visiting the dentist. The patients with excessive gingival display and pigmentation are more concerned esthetically. Most pigmentation is caused by five primary pigments out of which melanin shows the maximum incidence rate. Melanin hyper pigmentation usually does not present as a medical problem, but patients may complain about their unesthetic black gums. The gingiva is the most frequently pigmented intraoral tissue, with the highest rate observed in the area of the incisors Esthetic periodontal plastic surgery is a boon in patients having "dark gums" and "gummy smile." This article offers a retrospective case series of gingival depigmentation by epithelial excision using scalpel. Out of the several techniques employed for depigmentation, the surgical technique using scalpel is still the first and most popular technique. Experience of 4 years is put forward with critical analysis of the surgical technique including the various advantages and disadvantages. This is a case report representing a simple surgical technique of de-epithelization which has been successfully used to treat gingival hyperpigmentation caused by excessive melanin deposition and highlights the relevance of an esthetically pleasing smile especially in smile conscious individuals.
Clinical Relevance to Interdisciplinary Dentistry
- Gingival hyper pigmentation is a very common esthetic complaint reported by patients in various fields of dentistry. Through this case series the dentists can ascertain the various types of techniques mentioned in the following article for treating pigmented gums with pleasing esthetics &acceptable patients satisfaction
Keywords: Esthetic gums, gummy smile, pigmentation
How to cite this article:
Shah SS. Surgical esthetic correction for gingival pigmentation: Case series. J Interdiscip Dentistry 2012;2:195-200 |
| Introduction | |  |
Pigmentation is a discoloration of the oral mucosa or gingiva due to the wide variety of lesions and conditions. The pigments are not only the most beautiful, but also some of the most vital substances in the body. The pigments of biological origin are frequently striking and of brilliant color.
Pigmented lesions are commonly found in the mouth. Such lesions represent a variety of clinical entities, ranging from physiologic changes (e.g., racial pigmentation) to manifestations of systemic illnesses (e.g., Addison's disease) and malignant neoplasms (e.g., melanoma and Kaposi's sarcoma). [1]
The color of healthy gingiva is variable, ranging from a pale pink to a deep bluish purple hue. Between these limits of normalcy are a large number of pigmentation mosaics which depend primarily upon the intensity of melanogenesis, depth of epithelial cornification, and arrangement of gingival vascularity. Moreover, color variation may not be uniform and may exist as unilateral, bilateral mottled, macular, or blotched, and may involve gingival papillae alone or extend throughout the gingiva on to other soft tissues. [2],[3]
Most pigmentation is caused by five primary pigments. These include: Melanin, melanoid, oxyhemoglobin, reduced hemoglobin, carotene, bilirubin, and iron. [4],[5],[6]
Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva (not a medical problem) is a cause of embarrassment in smile-conscious individuals. Demand for cosmetic therapy is made, especially by fair-skinned people with moderate or severe gingival pigmentation, [3] mostly in patients with a high smile line (gummy smile). A periodontal plastic surgical procedure called the gingival depigmentation is performed whereby the gingival hyperpigmentation is removed or reduced by various techniques. This case series presents 48 cases of gingival hyperpigmentation where gingival depigmentation procedure was performed either through slicing or scraping technique, with satisfactory clinical outcomes. The surgical technique used in the present study is the first but still popular method with an advantage of being a simple chair side procedure with least and cost-effective armamentarium normally available in almost all dental operatories, yielding esthetically acceptable results along with patient satisfaction.
| Materials and Methods | | |
The cases were reviewed retrospectively from July 2004 to June 2007. A total of 48 patients (27 male, 21 female) with a chief complaint of black gums were selected in this study and treated by surgical depigmentation procedure over a period of 3 years (2004-2007). Total number of sites operated was 57. None of the patients were medically compromised, smokers, or having any psychiatric disorder as the patient compliance might be poor (excluded from the study). The youngest was 15 years old and the oldest was 40 years old [Table 1]. The complaints were mainly observed in patients who were esthetically bothered by black gums shown during smiling or talking, patients with gummy smiles, and fair-skinned patients. Dark-skinned patients and patients without gum display (having pigmentation) were excluded from the study. The patients with Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index scores 2 and 3 were included in the study. | Table 1: Results of 57 surgical depigmentation procedures in 48 patients
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Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index scoring criteria given by Dummett in 1964 are as follows:
0: No clinical pigmentation (pink gingiva)
1: Mild clinical pigmentation (mild light brown color)
2: Moderate clinical pigmentation (medium brown or mixed pink and brown color)
3: Heavy clinical pigmentation (deep brown or bluish black color)
All patients were treated surgically by slicing technique/scraping technique using scalpel under local anesthesia by the author only. The selection of slicing or scraping is done by the width of the keratinized gingiva available. Either of the two techniques showed similar result with the sole purpose of removing the melanin hyperpigmented areas from the gingiva. The cases were followed up to a maximum of 30 months and minimum of 7 months for analyzing the efficiency of the procedure.
Surgical technique
Scalpel surgical technique or slicing technique
The area of melanin hyper pigmentation (area of interest) was marked by two vertical and horizontal lines for demarcating it from the uninvolved area. This procedure of outlining the area was strictly performed by asking the patient to smile, so as to know the exact extension of the unesthetic looking gums. For marking the extensions, an indelible pencil or back of the surgical blade can be used [Figure 1]. After following complete aseptic precautions, surgical technique was performed. Standard skin preparation was carried out by 10% povidone iodine solution and temporary draping was done. Local infiltration was done using local anesthetic solution Lignox® (2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline). To retract the lips, either a check retractor was used or the help of an assistant was taken. Petroleum jelly was applied over the lips. Special care was taken to prevent injury to the lips. No. 15 or no. 11 surgical grade blade on a bard parker handle was used. The procedure was performed either through scraping epithelium with underlying pigmented layer (in attached gingival area) or through slicing the pigmented epithelial layer from the underlying connective tissue, i.e., raising partial thickness flap and excising the flap from its base denuding the connective tissue epithelial excision [Figure 2]. A uniform layer of the epithelium was sliced from the underlying connective tissue to prevent nicks, cuts, and underlying alveolar bone exposure. Special care was taken in the free gingival margin area as improper epithelial excision might lead to gingival recession in that area. The raw surface was thoroughly irrigated with saline and povidone iodine (1:1) to remove any loose tissue tags [Figure 3]. For proper visibility, a no. 3 mastoid suction cannula was used. | Figure 1: Preoperative photograph showing gingival pigmentation with markings
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The area of interest was reexamined for the remaining melanin pigmented patches. After thorough examination, the area was wiped with saline-soaked gauze and periodontal dressing (coe pack) was applied to cover the surgical site. The patient was recalled after a week for pack removal. The area was thoroughly irrigated with normal saline mixed with povidone iodine (1:1) for removing dental plaque and biofilm [6],[7] beneath the periodontal pack [Figure 4] and [Figure 5].
| Results | | |
Fifty-seven depigmentation procedures were performed in 48 patients, by surgical removal of the pigmented epithelium through scalpel. This procedure was performed either by slicing epithelium from underlying tissues or by scraping (melanin pigmented) epithelium. No complications with either the surgical procedure or anesthesia or postoperative healing were encountered. No recurrence till date with this technique has been reported. None of the cases required a secondary intervention. In all the cases, complete resolution of the chief complaint and patient satisfaction was achieved.
| Discussion | | |
Gingival pigmentation is discoloration of the gingiva due to wide variety of lesions or conditions. The color of healthy gingiva is variable, ranging from pale pink to deep bluish purple hue. Between these limits of normalcy are a large number of pigmentation mosaics which depend primarily upon the intensity of melanogenesis, depth of epithelial cornification, and gingival vascularity.
The pigmented lesions [8],[9],[10] might be the following.
Developmental disorders (pigmented cellular nevus, labial and oral melanotic macule, Forbes-Albright syndrome More Details, polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, neurofibromatosis, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome More Details, racial pigmentation, chloasma), functional/physiologic variants, specific agents (dental amalgam, chewing/smoking of tobacco, betel nut chewing, lead, silver), drugs (Busulfan, Chlorpromazine, Minocycline, Quinacrine), deficiency disorders (Vitamin B12 deficiency), endocrine disorders (Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly), hyperthyroidism, and neoplastic disorders (compound nevus, malignant melanoma). [11],[12],[13],[14],[15]
Out of these varieties, melanin is the most common of the endogenous pigments seen in the gingiva of Indian population. It is the most common non-hemoglobin-derived brown physiologic (ethnic/racial) pigment produced by melanocytes and present in the basal layer of the epithelium. [6] Active melanocytes convert tyrosine, through a series of intermediate stages mediated by the enzyme tyrosinase, to melanoprotein (melanin). [4] The melanin (accumulated in the melanosome) is then transferred outward to the basal and prickle cell layers. Various stimuli can result in an increased production of melanin at the level of mucosa, including trauma, hormones, radiation, and medications. [5]
A variety of treatment modalities have been employed for esthetic correction of gingival pigmentation which can be achieved either by removal of the pigmented layer or by masking of the pigmented gingiva.
Removal of the pigmented layer has been tried in the form of surgical treatment (scalpel surgical technique, [16],[17] bur abrasion, cryosurgery, [18],[19],[20],[21] electrosurgery, lasers [22],[23],[24],[25],[26],[27],[28] ) and chemical treatment (90% phenol, 95% alcohol). Masking of the pigmented gingiva can be achieved by free gingival grafts (FGGs) [29] or acellular dermal matrix allografts. [30] But some of the treatment modalities have their own limitations. [21]
Lasers, electrosurgery, and cryosurgery are not cost effective. [21],[31] Depth of control is a limitation of chemical cauterization and cryosurgery. Electrosurgery produces latent heat, causing damage to the surrounding tissues. Gingivectomy and bone denudation are invasive surgical procedures causing patient discomfort and bone loss. FGG is a surgical procedure that requires two surgical sites (donor and recipient), has color-matching problems, and causes delayed healing of recepient site.
Out of all the available treatment options, this case series focuses on the use of scalpel surgical technique (scraping/slicing) in gingival hyperpigmentation cases with satisfactory results. This technique is simple and versatile requiring minimum armamentarium most easily available in all dental clinics. Though the initial result of the depigmentation surgery is highly encouraging, repigmentation is a common problem.
Repigmentation after depigmentation has been reported following the use of different techniques. The mechanism of repigmentation is not understood, but according to "migration theory," active melanocytes from adjacent pigmented tissues migrate to treated areas causing repigmentation. Perlmutter and Tal described repigmentation after 7-8 years. On the contrary, a study by Oswaldo et al. in 1993 showed that gingival surgical procedures performed solely for cosmetic reasons offer no permanent results. But pigment recurrence has been documented to occur, following the surgical procedure, within 24 days to 8 years long period. This repigmentation is attributed to the epidermal melanocyte unit also. The epidermal melanin unit (EMU) denotes the symbiotic relationship between a melanocyte and a pool of associated keratinocytes. EMU, rather than the melanocyte alone, serves as the focal point for melanin metabolism within mammalian epidermis. The EMU is better labeled the KLM unit (melanocytes, keratinocytes, and Langerhans cells). There is little information on the behavior of melanocytes after surgical injury. The timing of early signs of repigmentation varies among studies and may be related to the technique performed and patient's race.
Further research is required on repigmentation to study the factors affecting rate and length of time required for recurrence of pigmentation. Research should also focus on finding a solution for preventing the recurrence and, till then, repeated depigmentation should be done to eliminate the unsightly pigmented gingival.
In the present study, cases were followed for a period of maximum 30 months and no recurrence was observed [Table 1]. However, the cases are being followed up to study the factors affecting the rate and length of time required for repigmentation and to study the repigmentation patterns.
Scalpel surgical technique is highly recommended in consideration of the equipment constraints that may not be frequently available in clinics (Almas and Sadiq, 2002). It is known that the healing period for scalpel wounds is faster than in other techniques. However, scalpel surgery may cause unpleasant bleeding during and after the operation, and it is necessary to cover the exposed lamina propria with periodontal dressing for 7-10 days (Almas and Sadiq, 2002).
Thus, gingival depigmentation procedure is performed solely as a part of the periodontal plastic procedure for cosmetic enhancement. This procedure will not be of permanent value because pigmentation tends to return to baseline values (Begamaschi O, 1993). The same surgical technique can be repeated if signs of repigmentation appear in the concerned area.
This case series describes a simple and effective surgical procedure for the treatment of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation, resulting in improved esthetics and cosmetic appearance. This treatment procedure can be performed as a normal chair-side procedure by all general dentists for the cosmetic correction of hyperpigmented gums.
| Conclusion | | |
Excessive gingival display and gingival hyperpigmentation are the major concerns for a large number of patients visiting the dentist. Esthetic periodontal plastic surgery is a boon in patients having "dark gums" and "gummy smile." This case series of 48 patients describes the depigmentation of the melanin pigmented gums (not a medical problem) using surgical scalpel technique (slicing/scraping). Scalpel technique is one of the first and still popular techniques employed for correction of gingival hyperpigmentation. The results obtained in all the patients were minimum discomfort and maximum patient satisfaction, with no signs of recurrence after a 30-month follow-up period. The cases are being tracked to notice signs of recurrence, as repigmentation may occur post depigmentation; with altered time durations as reported by multiple authors. There is still paucity of literature regarding the control on repigmentation followed by treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation. Therefore, research should focus on finding a solution for preventing recurrence and, till then, repeated depigmentation should be done to eliminate the unsightly pigmented gingiva.
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[Figure 1], [Figure 2], [Figure 3], [Figure 4], [Figure 5]
[Table 1]
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