Year : 2018

Volume : Volume 9

Issue : Issue 3s

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Sakshi Garg.
SakshiGarg@gmail.com

Abstract

Background:  The harmony of a smile is not only determined by the shape, position and colour of the teeth, but also by the gingival tissues. It is primarily influenced by quantity of keratinisation and pigments within the epithelium named melanin, a non-haemoglobin derived brown pigment which is produced by the melanocytes. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical effectiveness of Scalpel and Diode laser technique in the management of gingival melanin pigmentation. Materials and Methods: 50 subjects randomly divided into two groups. Group A (Scalpel) consist of 25 subjects and Group B (Diode Laser) consist of 25 subjects. Depigmentation procedure was done. Dummette Index , Bleeding Index and Digital Colour Intensity  were assessed at different time interval to evaluate the clinical effectiveness between 2 techniques. Results: Statistical Analysis revealed significant difference between Pre-operative and Post-operative Dummett Index scores in both Scalpel and Diode Laser group. There was no statistically significant difference between Post-operative Dummett Index scores in both the groups till 6 months follow up. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both Scalpel and Laser procedure was equally effective in gingival depigmentation. Laser has got advantage over Scalpel regarding patient’s pain perception and discomfort. Scalpel technique does not require any advanced armamentarium.

Keywords: Depigmentation, Oral health, laser.