A Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Depigmentation by Scalpel versus Diode Laser versus Electrosurgery: A Clinical In vivo Study.

Context: Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva exists in all ethnicities and genders. Demand for repigmentation is mainly for esthetic reasons. Gingival depigmentation is a mucogingival surgical procedure where depigmentation is done by various techniques. However, the selection of a method depends on the clinical experiences and individual preferences. Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the pain score using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the recurrence rate of gingival pigmentation, using the three different techniques, i.e., scalpel, laser, and electrosurgery. Settings and Design: This randomized control trial was conducted on 30 systemically healthy patients divided into two groups. Materials and Methods: A split-mouth design was adopted and pigmentation was removed using scalpel and laser in Group I and scalpel and electrocautery in Group II. Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index scale and VAS were used to appraise the potency of hyperpigmentation and pain of the patient, respectively. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent t-test was used for the comparisons. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The pain intensity was up high in patients treated with scalpel compared to laser and electrocautery, which was statistically highly significant. Conclusion: The findings suggest that laser depigmentation still serves to be the best modality considering the bloodless field and reduced postoperative pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]