Split Mouth Gingival Depigmentation with Scalpel and Diode Laser: A Comparative Study

Melanin pigmentation often occurs in the gingiva as a result of excess deposition of melanin, due to which the gingiva appears black. Though, it is not pathological, many people complain of dark gums as unaesthetic. Gingiva is the most frequently pigmented intraoral tissue, with more pigmentation concentrated in the incisor region which may interfere with the smile line and patient may feel conscious about the appearance. In such patients, aesthetic periodontal plastic surgery can give excellent results. In this context we have attempted a case series of depigmentation in the anterior region. To compare the two techniques clinically, split mouth depigmentation procedure was carried out, using a semi-conductor diode laser and conventionally by scalpel. The laser treatment resulted in no post-operative bleeding and minimal post-operative pain as compared with scalpel technique, although there was no difference in effectiveness and aesthetic outcome.