Gingival phenotype and Abnormal color

Gingival phenotype and Abnormal color

Thickness and structure of gingiva is called phenotype. Thin phenotypes are more prone to gingival recessions. Recessions are faster in this type of gingiva. Therefore patients can easily notice and search for treatment in early stage however treatment for gingiva with thin phenotype is more difficult.  In contrast with this, having recession is more difficult for individuals with thick phenotype however bone loss (underlying problem) due to underlying inflammation is hidden and patients can easily overcome those problems due to not having any pain but thick phenotype has more success for treatment. Therefore, phenotype characteristic plays an important role for noticing and treatment of this diseases.

Gingiva color which is accepted as healthy is coral pink. Deviations from this color may indicate diseases and also esthetic problems. Abnormal color deviations are called pigmentation. Increased quantity and surface proximity of pigmentation cells that give color to our skin  may lead dark and un esthetic appearance of gingiva. Pigment molecules can be structurally more or they can be activated more by external factors like smoking. Decreasing the amount of pigment cells as a treatment protocol provide an esthetic appearance. There are two different methods for treatment of pigmentations. The first one is the operational method; it is faster and simple but recovery period is painful. The second method is the Laser treatment, it is a slower method but recovery time is painless when compared with the operational procedure.