Ceramic soft tissue trimming bur: A new tool for gingival depigmentation

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Aesthetic Dentistry

Background:

• Gingival hyperpigmentation negatively impacts smile aesthetics.
• Various methods exist for melanin removal, including LASER.
• Patient concern for dental aesthetics is increasing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of LASER and soft tissue trimmer for gingival depigmentation.
• To evaluate aesthetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness and patient acceptability of treatment options.

Main Methods:

• A randomized split-mouth study involving twenty patients with gingival pigmentation.
• Evaluation of Dummet Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) and Gingival Pigmentation Index (GPI).
• Assessment of bleeding, wound healing, gingival color, and pain (VAS) at multiple time points.

Main Results:

• Both LASER and soft tissue trimmer showed significant improvement from baseline.
• No statistically significant difference in gingival pigmentation index between the two groups at six months.
• Both methods achieved comparable aesthetic satisfaction.

Conclusions:

• LASER and soft tissue trimmer are comparable for gingival depigmentation.
• Soft tissue trimmer offers a cost-effective, readily available, and patient-accepted option.
• Both techniques provide aesthetic satisfaction for patients with gingival hyperpigmentation.