SCALPEL VERSUS DIODE LASER FOR GINGIVAL DEPIGMENTATION: A CASE REPORT

Gingival hyperpigmentation is believed to be a genetic trait in populations and is more appropriately termed physiologic or racial gingival pigmentation a condition, which affects all races differently. Gingival depigmentation is most frequently performed as an esthetic periodontal plastic surgical procedure. There are various procedures like scalpel, laser. Cryosurgery, diamond burs and chemical methods have been used in this procedure. This case report compares the efficacy of two techniques. Maxillary anterior region was treated with scalpel technique and the mandibular anterior region was treated using Diode Laser. Both the treatment modalities were effective in terms of patient acceptance. Scalpel depigmentation resulted in uneventful healing of the treated site. Laser depigmentation showed some beneficial effects like bloodless field during surgical procedure which healed uneventfully. Patient discomfort was more in laser treated site during the initial healing period as compared to scalpel.