Comparison of efficacy of depigmentation of gingiva in terms of ImageJ intensity values and surface area of repigmentation using scalpel and diode laser

Abstract

Background: For an attractive smile, health and color of the gingiva are essential components. Hyperpigmented gingiva is considered unaesthetic and unsightly by many, and there is an increasing demand for depigmentation of gingiva from patients. Many techniques are available for gingival depigmentation. Aims and Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of scalpel and laser techniques for depigmentation in terms of patient comfort using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, changes in ImageJ intensity values of gingival pigmentation, and to compare the frequency and area of repigmentation postoperatively between two groups up to a period of 3 months using Adobe Photoshop. sMaterials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Periodontics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences. Fifty individuals, aged between 18 and 30 years, with an esthetic complaint of hyperpigmented gingiva were enrolled in the study. The study comprised two groups of 25 individuals each. One group was taken up for scalpel method of depigmentation and the other for laser depigmentation. Results: The difference between the mean pain scores of scalpel and laser group on day 1, day 4, and day 7 were recorded, with a P value of 0.123, 0.000, and 0.037, respectively. The difference in intensity values between baseline and 90 days for both scalpel and laser groups was highly significant, with a P value of 0.000. When surface area of repigmentation was compared between two groups, scalpel group (557.20 mm2) of patients had less repigmentation than laser group (737.08 mm2). Conclusion: The patient apprehension for anesthetic infiltration, bleeding during the procedures, and VAS scores for pain were less in laser group as compared to scalpel group. Efficiency of depigmentation and frequency of recurrence of gingival pigmentation were similar in both the groups. However, in terms of patient's comfort, laser appeared to have a significant advantage over scalpel.