Assessing Platelet-Rich-Plasma in Gingival Depigmentation: A Split-Mouth Two Case Report Comparing Laser and Bur Ablation

A coral-pink gingiva reflects the normal health of blood vessels and the proper width of keratinized tissues, both of which are essential for dental and facial aesthetics. Gingival pigmentation is caused by melanin granules and manifesting as uneven brown, light brown, or deep purplish discoloration and may necessitate cosmetic therapy. Among the various treatment modalities, diode laser and bur ablation are commonly used for gingival depigmentation. Moreover, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which delivers a supra-physiological dose of growth factors, has emerged as a promising adjunct to accelerate wound healing in periodontal aesthetic procedures. This article presents two case reports of two female patients with gingival pigmentation, who were treated at King Abdullah Medical City Specialist Hospital using a split-mouth approach. In one patient, diode laser ablation was performed on the lower anterior gingiva and bur ablation on the upper anterior region; in the other, laser and bur ablation were applied in different quadrants. Immediately after ablation, injectable PRP was administered into the depigmented areas. Healing was evaluated using the Healing Index on days one, three, seven, 14, and 30, and pigmentation was assessed preoperatively and on day 30 with the Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index. The results of the two case reports suggest that adjunctive PRP may enhance wound healing following gingival depigmentation, necessitating further clinical trials with standardized protocols and larger sample sizes.