Gingival Sculpting: A Simple Gingival Depigmentation Technique Using Bur Abrasion and Scalpel Combined - A Case...

Dentofacial esthetics demands have increased tremendously in the past decade. Psychological impact of unsatisfactory esthetic appearance can manifest in decreased sense of self-esteem and can negatively affect social and professional interactions. Esthetic awareness of dental patients has extended to include requests of gingival color modification. Gingival pigmentation can be physiological due to ethnic pigmentation or can be a result of various pathological processes. Different surgical modalities, tools and materials have been used in management of gingival pigmentation. This case report is introducing a simple, cost effective, minimally invasive technique of gingival sculpting for the purpose of significantly reducing gingival pigmentation.

A healthy 32-year-old male patient presented with a chief complaint of gingival pigmentation that is causing him distress and low self-esteem. Gingival sculpting technique was used. This simple technique uses a combination of two methods, bur abrasion and scalpel blade with copious irrigation. The procedure resulted in minimal intra and postoperative complications and excellent esthetic results achieved instantly and maintained at 3 months postoperatively. High patient esthetic satisfaction was achieved.

Gingival sculpting is minimally invasive procedure that can be performed at any dental office. It renders excellent esthetic results using minimal chair time and down time for the patient. It is well tolerated by the patient with minimal bleeding, postoperative pain, and rapid healing time. Long-term follow-up is needed to ensure stability and lack of recurrence.