Low Level Diode Laser Therapy versus Surgical Abrasion in the Treatment of Gingival Racial Pigmentation – Clinical Study

Healthy oral mucosa is pink in color, but it can vary from light to dark pink depending on the thickness of epithelium, the amount of melanin and the number of erythrocytes present in the connective tissue vessels and their proximity to the surface. Gingival pigmentation is defined as color change of the gingiva from variable shades of pink to dark brown or black due to genetic factors which is the most important endogenous factor responsible for increased production of melanin by melanocytes, or pathological factors. Some other exogenous factors such as ultra violet radiation (UV), smoking and medications may also increase melanin synthesis [1]. Genetics Racial gingival pigmentation is a common esthetic concern, which is aggravated in patients with excessive gingival display and more common noticed in adults, the attached gingiva is the most common site of involvement in the anterior region of the maxilla and mandible followed by the buccal mucosa, lip corners, lip mucosa, dorsal and ventral surface of the tongue and rarely the floor of the mouth [2] Kauzman [3] were broadly classified the gingival pigmentation into: Research Article