Comparison of the Effectiveness of CO2 and Diode Lasers for Gingival Melanin Depigmentation: A Randomized Clinical Trial

[摘要] Introduction: Gingival hyperpigmentation is an esthetic concern for some individuals. This studycompared the effectiveness of CO2 and diode lasers for gingival depigmentation.Methods: This randomized, split-mouth, clinical trial consisted of 12 patients with the chief complaintof hyperpigmented gingival areas. The upper right and left anterior segments and the mandibularanterior segment were randomly allocated to one of the treatment groups. The segments in group 1underwent gingival depigmentation with a diode laser (810 nm) at 6 W and pulsed mode, whereasgroup 2 was ablated with a diode laser at 3 W and continuous mode. The removal of gingivalpigments in group 3 was contemplated with a CO2 laser (10600 nm, 3 W, continuous mode). Theoperation chair time, bleeding during the procedure and post-operative pain were recorded. Thegingival color and esthetic appearance were measured before the operation and at 1 week and 6months later.Results: There was no significant difference in the bleeding scores, pain level, and color alterationvalues between the groups (P>0.05). The operation chair time was significantly shorter when thediode laser was applied at pulsed mode (P<0.05). The segments treated with the diode laser (pulsedor continuous mode) showed a higher esthetic appearance at the 6-month follow-up compared tothose ablated with the CO2 laser (P<0.05).Conclusions: Higher esthetic appearance is expected when using the diode laser for gingivaldepigmentation compared to the CO2 laser. The application of the diode laser at pulsed modecould be recommended for gingival depigmentation, as it produced pleasing esthetic outcomes atreduced chair time.

[学科分类] 基础医学

[关键词] Gingiva;Pigmentation;Melanin;Laser;Diode;CO2