Gingival depigmentation with scalpel and diode laser

Melanin, a nonhemoglobin-derived brown pigment, is the most common of the endogenous pigments and is produced by melanocytes present in the basal layer of the epithelium. Gingival hyperpigmentation is caused by excessive deposition of melanin located in the basal and suprabasal cell layers of the epithelium. Pigmentation of gingiva not just has an impact on esthetics but also creates psychological negativity. Though a wide range of techniques are available to manage this condition. Depigmentation procedures such as scalpel surgery, gingivectomy with free gingival autografting, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemical agents such as 90% phenol and 95% alcohol, abrasion with diamond bur, Nd: YAG laser, semiconductor diode laser, and CO laser have been employed for removal of melanin hyper pigmentation. The following case report describes two different surgical depigmentation techniques scalpel technique and lasers. Better results of depigmentation were achieved with diode laser than conventional scalpel with respect to esthetics and less postoperative discomfort.