A comparative evaluation of management of melanin pigmented gingiva using a scalpel and laser

*, Ambika Bhardwaj and Uppoor, Ashita .S. and Nayak, Dilip .G. (2014) A comparative evaluation of management of melanin pigmented gingiva using a scalpel and laser. Journal of Interdisciplinary Dentistry, 4 (3). pp. 135-139. ISSN 2229-5194

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Abstract

Objective: There are only a few case reports in the literature evaluating the effects of the diode laser on gingival melanin pigmentation. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of melanin depigmentation using a scalpel and diode lasers based on effective removal of gingival pigmentation, recurrence, and patient acceptability. Study Design: Gingival melanin pigmentation at the anterior maxillary or mandibular gingiva at 20 sites from 7 patients was included. Pigmented areas were measured on pre‑and post‑operative 1 and 6 months using Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index. This was a split mouth study where gingival depigmentation was carried out using a scalpel and diode laser. For one quadrant scalpel techniques were used and for other quadrant laser ablation was done. Results: Ablation of the hyperpigmented gingiva was accomplished with minimal carbonization and almost no bleeding. Postoperative healing was uneventful with no significant postoperative pain. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant difference between pre‑ and post‑operative measurements of pigmented area. No significant changes in pigmentation were seen between 1 and 6 months follow‑up with both the procedures. Conclusion: Application of diode laser appears to be an effective and safe method for the elimination of gingival melanin pigmentation.

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