Comparison of gingival depigmentation in a split mouth design with a rotary instrument (bur) and laser

Gingival hyperpigmentation is a major esthetic concern for many people. An esthetic smile is determined not only by the teeth alignment but also by the gingival tissues. Gingival hyperpigmentation is not a medical problem, but more a matter of esthetic for the patient. Gingival depigmentation can be done using bur abrasion, a scalpel, electrosurgery, and lasers, for example. This case study describes two simple methods of gingival depigmentation-bur abrasion and laser treatment. It compares two different techniques of gingival depigmentation using bur abrasion and laser treatment. Two medically healthy male patients aged 21 and 28 complained of having "black gums" that marred their appearance. A clinical examination revealed that both patients had moderate oral hygiene and smoking was the etiology of the gingival hyperpigmentation. The two patients were treated with two different gingival depigmentation techniques. Gingival depigmentation with a rotary round bur was performed on the maxilla and, depigmentation with a laser was performed on the mandible. One patient underwent depigmentation with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, and the other patient underwent depigmentation with erbium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Er:YAG) laser. Both bur abrasion and laser technique showed good result with better patient satisfaction and proper wound healing without any postoperative complications or severe pain.