A Split Mouth Clinical Trial to Compare Between Two Different Methods for Gingival Depigmentation-Scalpel and Diode Laser

Background: With the growing of awareness about aesthetics, hyperpigmentation is one of the most common chief complain among patients now a day. There are various non-surgical and surgical methods introduced recently for gingival depigmentation. Laser is one of the most advanced technologies used in dentistry for several surgical procedures. However, it’s expensive and technique sensitive. Thus it is important to justify the use of Laser for surgical procedures like gingival depigmentation. Aim: This case study presents an original research done to compare the efficacy, patient preference and satisfaction between Laser and Scalpel for gingival depigmentation. Material and methods: A split mouth study was done among 20 patients to compare the efficacy of Diode Laser (Ezlase 940 nm) and scalpel. Clinical parameters were Dummet Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) and visual analog scale. Patients were recalled after regular intervals-once every week for initial 1 month, 3 month and 6 month. Results: Non significant results between all the clinical parameters between both the techniques. Conclusion: Both, Laser and scalpel provide similar clinical outcome for gingival depigmentation