the investigator compares the clinical outcomes and pain levels after gingival depigmentation by ceramic soft tissue bur vs scalpel surgery

This clinical study will be carried out to compare the efficacy of ceramic soft tissue trimming bur versus the conventional surgical scraping technique in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation.

This study will be conducted to assess:

Primary objectives:

1. Clinical outcome of the gingival depigmentation procedure.
2. Assessment of postoperative pain using the visual analogue scale.
3. Patients' satisfaction will be assessed using the patient satisfaction questionnaire (short-form, PSQ-18) and the global aesthetic improvement scale.

Secondary objectives:

1. Operating time.
2. Wound healing.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females within age range of 20-50 years.
• Systemic (medically) free individuals.
• Gingival pigmentation score > 3 on Hedin melanin index15.
• Patients with good oral hygiene.
• Patients with thick gingival phenotype.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smokers.
• Teeth with compromised periodontium.
• Pregnant and lactating females.
• The vulnerable group: patients with mental or physical disabilities.
• Medications that cause gingival pigmentation.
• Pathologies that cause gingival pigmentation.