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Volume 43 , Issue 1
January/February 2023
Pages 13–20

Human Histologic Verification of Gingival Uniformity Pinkening via Selective Radiofrequency Ablative Deepithelization

Robert J. Stanley, DDS, PhD, MS/Valerie A. Murrah, DMD, MA, MS, MBA

DOI: 10.11607/prd.6027

Various gingival depigmentation techniques have been introduced to realize esthetic gingival color enhancement. Unfortunately, many of these procedures have nonesthetic outcomes, have the potential to damage the gingiva and connective tissues, subject the patient to postoperative pain, and do not offer long-term efficacy. The proper combined application of a 4.0-MHz radiofrequency and specialized electrode brush may result in the selective and complete removal of melanocytes from the gingival epithelium down to and including the basal layer, with minimal to no effect on the connective tissue. This article presents a case report and histopathologic examination to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of this technique for achieving uniform pink gingival appearance.

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