Comparative Evaluation of Treatment Outcome of Gingival Depigmentation by Surgical Scalpel, Laser and Cryosurgery Techniques for the Management of Gingival Hyperpigmentation – A Randomized Clinical Trial Conducted in the Institute of Swargiya Dadasaheb Kalmegh Smruti Dental College and Hospital, Hingna

Abstract

BACKGROUND Aesthetic concerns have plagued humans for ages, but now modern technology and science have presented us with various options to treat these concerns. One such aspect is gingival depigmentation which as a dentist, we often come across. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted to compare and evaluate the techniques of gingival depigmentation for the management of gingival hyperpigmentation. METHODS A total of 45 patients with gingival pigmentation were randomly allocated into 3 groups: Surgical scalpel (N = 15), Cryosurgery (N = 15) and 810nm Diode Laser (N = 15). Melanin pigmentation index (MPI), visual analogue scale (VAS), wound healing index (WHI) and colour intensity index were evaluated for all the groups at baseline, immediate postoperative, 1 week, 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Statistical analysis was done for the data obtained to test the significance between the variables. P value < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS MPI scores from baseline to the postoperative intervals were effective in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation without any statistically significant difference. Faster healing was noted with surgical scalpel than cryosurgery. VAS scores were higher for the surgical scalpel group and lower for the other groups. The colour intensity index, an increase in the red colour value and decrease in the blue colour value was indicative of effectiveness of all the three techniques in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation. CONCLUSIONS It can be concluded that all the three techniques are effective in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation. KEY WORDS Gingival Hyperpigmentation, Aesthetic, Cryosurgery, Surgical Scalpel, Laser