Evaluation of the Efficacy of the Acellular Dermal Matrix Allograft with Partial Thickness Flap in the Elimination of Gingival Melanin Pigmentation. A Comparative Clinical Study with 12 Months of Follow‐Up

Abstract

Gingival pigmentation is a common finding in several ethnic groups. Although physiologic melanin pigmentation is not a medical problem, cosmetic demands may turn it into a problem of social acceptance in different cultures. In this way, different treatment modalities have been used with the aim of removing pigmentations for esthetic reasons. In the present study, the use of ADM with partial thickness flap resulted in more effective elimination of gingival melanin pigmentation, as repigmentation occurred later and was much weaker when compared to the outcomes of epithelial abrasion.

Treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation with rotary abrasive, scalpel, and laser techniques: A case series

“…Different treatment modalities have been used for this aim. [8] The selection of a technique for depigmentation of the gingiva should be based on clinical experience, patient's affordability and individual preferences. There are increasing demands for cosmetic rehabilitation for gingival melanin pigmentation.…”

A comparison of different gingival depigmentation techniques: ablation by erbium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser and abrasion by rotary instruments

“…Although physiologic melanin pigmentation is not a medical problem, patients may complain that their black gums are unesthetic. Numerous procedures have been developed for depigmentation of the gingiva, such as epithelial abrasion [9], free gingival graft [10], gingivectomy [8], cryosurgery [11-13], acellular dermal matrix allograft [14], and laser surgery [15-19]. …”

Spontaneous Pigmentation of Non‐Pigmented Palatal Tissue After Periodontal Surgery

“…Although dental literature is replete with oral depigmentation/repigmentation studies, 13‐24 there are no reports on non‐pathologic spontaneous pigmentation of previously non‐pigmented oral tissues. Although the classic 1963 study by Dummett and Bolden 20 described post‐surgical healing with pigmentation as “spontaneous,” the areas in question were previously pigmented prior to surgery.…”

“…Successful treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation for esthetic purposes has been previously reported using surgical, chemical, cryosurgical, electrosurgical, and laser techniques with different degree of success 13‐22 . Repigmentation after treatment has been reported with most techniques, although the timeframe in which this happens varies considerably (1 to 20 months) 20‐24 …”

“…Although post‐surgical repigmentation has been extensively covered in the dental literature, 20‐24 there are no reports, to our knowledge, of spontaneous pigmentation of previously non‐pigmented oral tissue after surgical treatment. This report describes a case in which non‐pigmented free gingival graft donor sites healed with spontaneous pigmentation in an African American female patient.…”