Gingival Depigmentation by 810 nm Diode Laser and Cryosurgery Using 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane: A Clinical Study

Introduction: Pigmented gingival tissue is a common complaint of patients as unaesthetic. There is a dearth of literature comparing the efficacy of depigmentation by cryosurgery using a biocompatible material 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethylene gas and diode laser, which are relatively newer techniques. The study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of two different modalities of gingival depigmentation – 810 nm diode laser and cryosurgery using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane in managing gingival melanin pigmentation. Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled split-mouth trial was conducted on 15 participants. Depigmentation was done using an 810 nm diode laser and a cryosurgery technique using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. Re-evaluation was performed at the 1 st , 3 rd and 6 th months postoperatively. Dummett’s Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI), Hedin’s Melanin Index (HMI), the Visual Analogue Scale for pain and Photometric analysis (RGB scale) were recorded and analysed. Results: DOPI and HMI in the subjects treated by laser and cryosurgery showed statistically significant differences ( P < 0.001) from baseline to 1 month, 3 months and 6 months. Intergroup comparison of RGB scores between the laser and cryosurgery depicted no significant difference at baseline ( P = 0.06). Conclusions: Cryosurgery using 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethylene and laser ablation using an 810 nm diode laser technique was found to be equally effective for treating gingival pigmentation.