Essay On Gingiva

INTRODUCTION
The harmony of smile is decided not only by the shape, position, color of teeth but also by the colour of the gingiva. Gingival health and appearance are essential components of an pleasing smile. Gingival tissues form an important part of what we can consider to be a pleasing smile. The colour of the attached and marginal gingiva is generally described as coral pink. It is determined by number of factors, including the number and size of blood vessels, thickness of the epithelium, quantity of keratinisation and pigments within the epithelium. Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva is seen in all races[1]. Melanin, a pigment produced by melanoblasts, is the most common natural pigment contributing to endogenous pigmentation of gingiva. Melanin pigmentation is the result of melanin granules produced by melanoblasts present between epithelial cells at the basal layer of gingival epithelium[2]. Gingival melanin hyperpigmentation is seen as a genetic trait in some populations irrespective of gender and age; hence it is called as physiologic or racial gingival melanin hyperpigmentation[1,3].The degree of

Ablation of the pigmented tissues was carried out with the help of loop electrode of the electrocautery unit under standard protective measures. It was used in light brushing strokes and tip was kept moving all the time. Keeping the tip in one place could lead to increase heat tension and tissue damage. Remnants of ablated tissues were removed using sterile guaze dampened with saline. This procedure was repeated until the required depth of tissue is removed and ablation of the pigmented gingiva was accomplished without any bleeding. Surgical area was covered with a periodontal dressing and post operative instructions were given to the patient. An analgesic was prescribed for the management of pain and periodontal dressing was removed after one week