ESTHETIC TREATMENT OF HYPERPIGMENTED GINGIVA BY SCALPEL AND LASER: A COMPARATIVE CASE REPORT

BACKGROUND: Melanin pigmentation in the gingiva occurs as a result of excess deposition of melanin, due to which the gingiva appears black. Many people complain of dark gums as unesthetic. Gingiva is the most frequently pigmented intraoral tissue, more pigmentation concentrated in the incisor region which may interfere with the smile line and patient may feel conscious about the appearance. In such patients, esthetic periodontal plastic surgery can give excellent results. CASE REPORT: In this case report we have attempted and compared, two different depigmentation techniques using a semi-conductor diode laser technique in maxillary anterior arch and conventionally by scalpel technique in mandibular anterior arch. RESULT: Both scalpel and laser improved esthetics. However the laser treatment resulted in no post-operative bleeding and no post-operative pain as compared with scalpel technique. CONCLUSION: Use of diode laser is the safe and effective alternative procedure for the treatment of hyperpigmented gingiva. Its benefits include ease of usage, comfort in dental clinics, reduce trauma to the patient. KEYWORDS: Diode laser, Depigmentation, Melanin pigment.