Assessment of Clinical Outcomes and Patient Response to Gingival Depigmentation by Scalpel Surgical Stripping and Diode Laser: A Randomized Split-Mouth Study

Abstract

Oral melanin pigmentation is a ubiquitous presentation in the oral cavity. It could be a cause of psychological distress to many subjects due to aesthetic reasons. Aims and Objectives: This study attempts to compare the laser and scalpel depigmentation techniques. It also includes a comparison related to the Visual Analog Scale, patient comfort, healing response and time taken for the procedure and recurrence of pigmentation. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 patients were included in the study. A split-mouth approach comparing the scalpel technique with that of the diode laser technique was planned. Results and Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that both laser and scalpel techniques are equally effective for depigmentation, yielding aesthetic results.