Gingival Depigmentation Using Surgical Scalpel and Sieve Method of Diode Laser Techniques-A Comparative Clinical Intervention Study

BACKGROUND This study was carried out to compare the treatment outcome after application of surgical scalpel and sieve methods of diode laser for depigmentation techniques with one year follow up period. METHODS This was a comparative split mouth intervention study with follow up period of one year. A total of 5 systemically healthy patients, were enrolled in this study. Right and left quadrant were divided into Group A and Group B. In Group A, depigmentation with Sieve method of diode laser and in Group B depigmentation with surgical scalpel technique were used. Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) and Verbal Analogue Scale (VAS) Questionnaires were used to assess the intensity of gingival pigmentation and the pain intensity of the patients respectively. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 2.5 and P value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The pain intensity in Group B (mean rank 1.60, 4.0) was high as compared to Group A (mean rank 0.0, 2.0) at 2 weeks and one month follow up and the results were statistically significant. Group A (mean rank 0.20, 0.80) showed better depigmentation outcome compared group B (mean rank 1.0, 1.80) at six months and one year and the results were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Seive method of diode laser therapy showed a significant improvement in gingival pigmentation as well as reduction in pain intensity as compared to surgical scalpel technique.