Introduction: Gingival melanin pigmentation (GMP) is considered a physiologic or racial situation. Complaints of "black gums" are common, and demands for depigmentation are usually made for esthetic reasons. In this case report, a cryosurgical depigmentation procedure is described and the effectiveness and complications of cryosurgery are examined.
Case presentation: A 40-year-old, systemically healthy female presented with esthetic problems associated with GMP. Cryosurgery was performed from the midline by cross-segments from canine to canine for the treatment of maxillary and mandibular gingival tissues. One month after the cryosurgery procedure, a bone sequestrum became apparent between the mandibular right central incisor and canine, and it was removed from the area. A 2-mm gingival recession was observed 1 month after the surgery to remove the sequestrum.
Conclusions: Methods such as cryosurgery seem to be effective in the treatment of GMP. Various complications can be observed in the application of cryosurgical procedures, such as infection, hemorrhage, recession, and pain. Anatomic structures of the pigmented sites, the width of the gingiva, the length of the keratinized gingiva, the dose, and application distance of cryosurgenic gas must be carefully considered.
Keywords: Cryosurgery; gingival recession; melanins; pigmentation; postoperative complications; wound healing.
© 2015 American Academy of Periodontology.