July 2022

Background: Pigmentation of the gingiva creates a detrimental impact sometimes in a pleasing smile. Objective: This trial aimed to compare outcomes using diode laser or novel soft tissue ceramic trimming bur for gingival depigmentation. Methods: Patient’s pain, Dummet’s Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI), Wound healing, surgical time and the cosmetic results achieved were evaluated at baseline, 7th day, 14th day and 1 month. Results: DOPI readings for diode laser technique (DLT) and ceramic bur technique (CBT) were similar at baseline, 7th day, and 1st month. Moderate bleeding was seen in 0% of the patients with DLT while 50% in CBT patients which was statistically significant. A good wound healing score was observed on the 7th day, 14th day and an excellent wound healing with both the groups at 1 month. On the surgical day and 1st day pain was higher in the CBT group although not statistically significant.A statistically increased surgical time of 28.64 ± 6.34 mins for the CBT group was observed. Conclusion: DLT and CBT were both efficient for depigmentation and presented similar esthetic results. Both procedures did not result in any post-operative complications and the gingiva healed uneventfully. Ceramic burs can be used as an alternative to diode lasers.