Depigmentation: a novel classification and review

A healthy smile provides a boost of confidence to an individual. Gingival hyperpigmentation is a common complaint among individuals when esthetics is a prime concern. Gingival depigmentation is a periodontal plastic surgical procedure whereby the epithelium is denuded of pigment cells so as to produce a more desirable pink colour of the gums. The current review aims at providing a wholesome knowledge of gingival pigmentation, its physiology, pigments in the human body, classification and treatment modalities available for gingival depigmentation. The authors have introduced a novel classification system taking into account both the etiology and the region affected.