International Journal of Experimental Dental Science

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VOLUME 10 , ISSUE 2 ( July-December, 2021 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Assessment of the Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude towards Gingival Depigmentation among Dental Patients and Analysis of their Pigmentation Patterns

Biju Thomas, Raghavendra Vamsi Anegundi, Shahira, Sudhir R Varma, Kimberly AV Duarte, RM Baiju, Amitha Ramesh

Keywords : Depigmentation, Free gingival unit graft, Gingiva, Pigmentation

Citation Information : Thomas B, Anegundi RV, Shahira, Varma SR, Duarte KA, Baiju R, Ramesh A. Assessment of the Awareness, Knowledge, and Attitude towards Gingival Depigmentation among Dental Patients and Analysis of their Pigmentation Patterns. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2021; 10 (2):54-57.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10029-1232

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 17-02-2023

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2021; The Author(s).


Abstract

Background: The color of gingiva is an utmost esthetic concern among individuals today. In light of this, depigmentation procedures have turned up as the cornerstone of periodontal treatment. This survey mainly aimed to gain insights into the awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward gingival depigmentation among patients visiting the dental hospital in Mangaluru. To this end, we also aimed to analyze the gingival pigmentation patterns and propose a classification for the same. Materials and methods: A survey was conducted among 300 patients attending the department of periodontics. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on awareness, knowledge, and attitude toward gingival depigmentation, followed by a clinical examination to assess the smile line and pattern of gingival pigmentation. Results: The data obtained suggest that more than half of the respondents were aware (54.3%) and were concerned (55.3%) about their pigmented gums. However, the majority of the patients (70%) were not aware of the depigmentation procedures. Among the patients who were aware of depigmentation procedures (30%), most of them knew about the laser procedure (60%). Results also revealed low knowledge of reappearance (14%) of the pigmentation after the procedure. Based on clinical examination, patients with class II and class III smile lines were more concerned about their gingival pigmentation. According to the proposed classification of a pattern of gingival pigmentation majority of patients had grade II (A) and grade II (B) types. Conclusion: Although most of the patients were aware of their gingival pigmentation, not many individuals have adequate knowledge of depigmentation procedures. Therefore, significant educational interventions are required to increase awareness among the general population.


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