THE ROLE OF LASER IN TREATING GINGIVAL PIGMENTATION AMONG SMOKING PATIENTS

MREANA MATI GORGEES; HASHIM DAWOOD MOUSA

MREANA MATI GORGEES Dept. of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq.
HASHIM DAWOOD MOUSA Dept. of Periodontics, College of Dentistry, University of Duhok, Kurdistan region, Iraq.

Keywords: Gingiva, Hyperpigmentation, Laser therapy

Abstract

https://doi.org/10.31386/dmj.2025.19.2.7

Abstract

Background: Gingival pigmentation results from excessive melanin deposition in the basal layer of the epithelium. It is regarded as a major aesthetic concern that can affect a patient’s self-confidence, particularly in individuals with a gummy smile. The present study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and patient comfort of three depigmentation techniques: surgical scraping using a diamond bur, diode laser, and a combination of bur abrasion followed by low-level laser therapy.

Materials and methods: 60 patients aged 18-45 years who had chief complaints of pigmented or dark gingiva were selected and randomly placed into three groups, Group A (n=20) treated with diode laser 810nm wavelength in continuous contact-mode, Group B (n=20) treated by bur abrasion, Group C (n=20) treated by a combination of bur abrasion followed by diode laser 635nm wavelength in continuous non-contact mode.

Results: Significant differences were observed among groups. The diode laser showed minimal bleeding, with a mean score of 1.10 (0.31) (p < 0.0001), and the shortest procedure time with a mean score of 16.1 (p < 0.0001). On the first postoperative day, pain scores were significantly lower in the diode laser group, with a mean of 0.80 (0.95), compared to the bur abrasion group, with a mean of 1.90 (0.79) (p = 0.0004), and the combination group, with a mean of 1.45 (0.83), By day 3, pain levels had reduced in all groups with no significant difference (p = 0.1510). No significant differences were found in gingival depigmentation (p = 0.3547), healing index (p = 0.8844), or re-pigmentation after three months (p = 0.7603) among groups.

Conclusion: The Diode laser resulted in the shortest procedure time, better hemostasis, and patient comfort compared to other techniques.

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References

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