Efficacy of Conventional Laser Irradiation Versus a New Method for Gingival Depigmentation (Sieve Method): A Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Diode laser irradiation has recently shown promising results for treatment of gingival pigmentation. This study sought to compare the efficacy of 2 diode laser irradiation protocols for treatment of gingival pigmentations, namely the conventional method and the sieve method. Methods: In this split-mouth clinical trial, 15 patients with gingival pigmentation were selected and their pigmentation intensity was determined using Dummett's oral pigmentation index (DOPI) in different dental regions. Diode laser (980 nm wavelength and 2 W power) was irradiated through a stipple pattern (sieve method) and conventionally in the other side of the mouth. Level of pain and satisfaction with the outcome (both patient and periodontist) were measured using a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS) for both methods. Patients were followed up at 2 weeks, one month and 3 months. Pigmentation levels were compared using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA). The difference in level of pain and satisfaction between the 2 groups was analyzed by sample t test and general estimate equation model. Results: No significant differences were found regarding the reduction of pigmentation scores and pain and scores between the 2 groups. The difference in satisfaction with the results at the three time points was significant in both conventional and sieve methods in patients (P = 0.001) and periodontists (P = 0.015). Conclusion: Diode laser irradiation in both methods successfully eliminated gingival pigmentations. The sieve method was comparable to conventional technique, offering no additional advantage.

Assessment of Clinical Outcomes and Patient Response to Gingival Depigmentation by Scalpel Surgical Stripping and Diode Laser: A Randomized Split-Mouth Study

“…Perception of pain was reduced in laser-treated sites as compared with surgical stripping. This is in accordance with a study conducted by Karthikeyan and co-workers 19 and another study by Grover et al 20 A similar study was conducted by Houshmand et al 21 and Ghoumand et al 22 The results of our study revealed no discomfort postoperatively on the laser-treated sites and comparatively patients felt slight discomfort on the sites treated by the conventional scalpel method. Complete healing was observed on average at 10 days with the laser and 14 days with the scalpel.…”

Gingival melanin depigmentation by 810 nm diode laser

“…Physiologic pigmentation is mainly genetically determined; however, some other factors such as activity of endocrine glands, ultraviolet radiation, smoking, and medication can also cause gingival hyperpigmentation. [ 2 ] It is a real esthetic concern for most of the individuals, especially in the anterior keratinized gingiva of the maxilla and mandible.…”

Comparison of the Diode Laser Wavelengths 445 nm and 810 nm in Gingival Depigmentation – A Clinical Evaluation

“…However, it is costly since it requires expensive equipment. 10,11 Diode lasers are absorbed mainly in the chromophores of tissues (e.g. hemoglobin and melanin), so the diode laser can properly affect darker pigmented tissues.…”

“…hemoglobin and melanin), so the diode laser can properly affect darker pigmented tissues. 11 Photothermal effects occur after the absorption of diode laser photons and cause an increase in the temperature of soft tissues which in turn leads to excision and coagulation. 12 Developing application standards for gingival laser depigmentation has been necessitated due to the diversity of used wavelengths, application methods, and settings.…”