A split mouth comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of gingival depigmentation using conventional scalpel and electro surgery: A case series

Abstract

Melanin pigmentation of the gingiva causes gums to appear darker, which can cause a huge esthethic difference, and lead to patient’s consciousness. This is the reason for the demand of cosmetic therapy. Hence, the study aims to do a comparative study by split mouth technique and to evaluate the differences in the efficacy of gingival depigmentation using conventional scalpel and electro surgical technique. Two patients who were not esthetically pleased with the color of gingiva were selected. A randomized, split-mouth, depigmentation procedure was performed using surgical scalpel and electrosurgery method. No bleeding was reported on the side of the patients treated with electrosurgery. Mild pain was reported on the side of the patients treated with surgical scalpel, whereas none was reported in electrosurgery half. No significant difference was observed for both treatment techniques in terms of wound healing, reappearance of gingival pigmentation, and intensity of the same at the end of 3 and 6 months post-surgically. Similar outcomes were observed for both the techniques. Patients resulted in no recurrence up until 6 months. Hence, further studies should be done to know the underlying mechanisms.