Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to compare depigmentation outcomes and recurrence rates among smokers and nonsmokers after gingival hyperpigmentation treatment.
Materials & Methods: A total of 34 patients (16 smokers and 18 non-smokers) aged 19-45 years who sought treatment for "black gums" were included. A single calibrated examiner conducted all the treatments and assessments. Clinical observations on the distribution and severity of pigmentation according to the Gingival Pigmentation Index (GPI) and Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) were recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after treatment. A rotary diamond abrasion technique was used for the de-epithelialization procedure, which involved abrading the gingiva until all visible pigmentation was removed. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U tests.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 29 (+/- 6) years, and 29.4% were male. The baseline GPI and DOPI scores were significantly higher among the smokers than the non-smokers (P<0.05). For example, regarding the baseline GPI scores, 50% of the smokers had scores of 3 whereas only 6.2% of non-smokers had scores of 3. At 3 months after treatment, the GPI and DOPI scores were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). However, at 6 months, they were significantly higher among smokers (P<0.05). The recurrence rate at 6 months was higher among smokers than non-smokers, with 31% of smokers having GPI scores >= 2 compared to only 7.7% of non-smokers.
Conclusion: The abrasion with a rotary round bur resulted in satisfactory outcome, wound healing and tolerable pain. Smokers had more severe gingival hyperpigmentation and faster recurrence rate.