title: Anterior esthetic gingival depigmentation and crown lengthening: report of a case.
abstract: Excessive gingival display space and gingival hyperpigmentation are major concerns for a large number of patients visiting the dentist. Melanin hyperpigmentation usually does not present a medical problem, but patients usually complain of dark gums as unaesthetic. This problem is aggravated in patients with a "gummy smile" or excessive gingival display while smiling. Esthetic periodontal plastic surgery is especially rewarding in such individuals with compromised esthetics. A case is reported here on the cosmetic correction of "black gums" and "gummy smile." Periodontal plastic surgery combining gingival depigmentation and esthetic crown lengthening was performed in a single appointment using scalpel surgical technique. The outline of steps involved in the surgical procedure is demonstrated and a brief review of the various gingival depigmentation techniques is depicted here.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics of the Government Dental College in Trivandrum, Kerala, India.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Roshna
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nandakumar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016556:Crown Lengthening / Q000379:methods*; D004955:Esthetics, Dental; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D005890:Gingivectomy; D005893:Gingivoplasty / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008548:Melanosis / Q000601:surgery*; D012904:Smiling