Background: To compare the treatment outcome of laser and its effectiveness in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation over scalpel surgical method.
Methods: The patients were selected and were divided into two groups by the split-mouth design. Group A: Right half upper and lower central incisors to premolars were treated using the laser technique. GROUP B: Left half upper and lower central incisors to premolars were treated by Scalpel technique. This study was a comparative, split-mouth analytical study, and the results were observed for a period of 9 months.
Results: Diode laser technique gave better results in this perio-esthetics procedure as compared to scalpel technique. However, recurrence of pigmentation has been reported even after this duration. Diode laser was superior over the scalpel technique in the aspect of operator convenience, reduced postoperative bleeding, and reducing the incidence of repigmentation in terms of intensity and extent of pigmentation. Patient comfort was more in scalpel technique.
Conclusion: Laser can be used for better periodontal esthetic procedure over the standard scalpel technique, although repigmentation was reported in both groups. But delayed healing occurred on the laser side due to the thermal effect of the laser on the adjacent tissues. Provision of such advanced instruments to dental surgery can give better satisfaction to patient clientele in terms of good esthetic results.
Keywords: Diode laser; Oral pigmentation; Scalpel technique.
© 2021 Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services. Published by Elsevier, a division of RELX India Pvt. Ltd.