Abstract

Introduction: "Black gums" is a common aesthetic concern for many people, who frequently seek cosmetic adjustments, despite the fact that clinical melanin pigmentation does not manifest as a disease entity or medical issue. There are numerous methods available for depigmenting melanin hyperpigmented gingiva, with microneedling being a recent addition. This investigation was conducted to assess and contrast diode laser and microneedling as treatments for gingival melanin hyperpigmentation.

Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients in the age group between 15 and 30 years were selected for a microneedling group (1) and diode laser (group II). Parameters evaluated were recurrence of pigmentation using Pigmentation intensity scores (PIS)Dummett index 1964, Pigmentation extension scores (PES) were assessed by the Hedin melanin index (HMI) and plaque index and gingival index at 1, 3, and 6 months. Mann–Whitney U test was used to analyze statistical significance between different variables.

Results: There was no statistical significance in plaque and gingival index in both the groups. At 6 months in group I, repigmentation was seen in 10 patients and in group II, repigmentation was seen in 8 patients.

Conclusion: Although both treatment modalities are highly effective depigmentation procedures, giving excellent esthetics results. By adhering to safety measures, and long duration of gingival repigmentation by diode laser as compared to microneedling. However microneedling also can be used to remove gingival pigmentation efficiently.