Assessment of clinical outcomes and patient response to gingival depigmentation using a scalpel, ceramic bur, and diode laser 980 nm

OBJECTIVE: This research compares the clinical outcomes of gingival depigmentation procedures with conventional scalpel, ceramic trimmer bur, and diode laser techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four individuals with physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation received random allocation to one of three treatment groups: scalpel, ceramic bur, or diode laser. Pain score, operation time, bleeding index, degree of epithelialization, wound healing, Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI), and Takashi Index score changes were all investigated at different time points. RESULTS: At 12-h follow-up, significant variations in pain scores were seen between the laser and scalpel groups (p = 0.003) but not between the laser and ceramic bur groups. The diode laser group completed the procedure significantly quicker than the scalpel and ceramic bur groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). The ceramic trimmer bur and diode laser groups showed significantly less bleeding tendency than the scalpel group. Wound healing and the degree of epithelialization were similar in all groups. DOPI and Takashi indices significantly decreased compared to baseline in all groups, with no significant difference recorded between all groups. CONCLUSION: While diode lasers are a safe and effective treatment option for gingival hyperpigmentation, providing optimal aesthetics with reduced discomfort to patients, a ceramic trimmer bur can also be used as a simple and affordable alternative to a laser in gingival depigmentation procedures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Gingival hyperpigmentation is a major aesthetic issue for many individuals. Laser and ceramic trimmer bur treatments produce equivalent aesthetic outcomes for gingival hyperpigmentation.