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 1st, 3rd and 6th 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.