Esthetic depigmentation of anterior gingiva. A case series.

Gingival melanin pigmentation occurs in people of all races. Although clinical melanin pigmentation does not present a medical problem, demand for cosmetic therapy is commonly made by fair-skinned people with gingival melanin pigmentation. This problem is aggravated in patients with a "gummy smile" or excessive gingival display while smiling. Esthetic periodontal plastic surgery is especially successful in individuals with compromised esthetics. Three cases are reported here where gingival depigmentation was done using three different techniques: electrosurgery; scalpel surgery; and surgical abrasion. The clinical results of the three methods have been compared.