Gingival Depigmentation by Cryosurgery and Laser Application - A Comparative Clinical Study

Aims: The main aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of laser over cryosurgery and to evaluate the intensity of repigmentation after both interventions during a period of 9 months.”
Study Designs: This study was a randomized controlled clinical split mouth trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Periodontics, Vishnu Dental College and hospital between January 2013 to September 2013.
Methodology: Sample we included 20 subjects(10 males,10 females) age range 19-23 years with hyper pigmented gingiva on facial aspect of the gingiva present in the esthetic zone. A split mouth approach was used wherein one side received laser and the other side received cryotherapy with the choice of the therapy and side chosen by the spin of the coin. Clinical observations for intensity of pigmentation were recorded at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months after surgery.
Results: With a sample of 20 patients the treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation with laser and cryosurgery showed marked improvement of gingival pigmentation in both the groups. When intergroup comparison was made there was no statistical difference in the score from baseline (P-value, 1.0000). However there was statistical improvement that was significant in cryosurgery group as compared to laser group at the end of 9th month (P-value, 0.0020). Moreover 6 out of 20 patients were satisfied with the laser treated at the end of 9 months whereas 18 patients (90%) reported excellent appearance in cryosurgery group at the end of 9 months (P-value, 0.00001).
Conclusion: The indications of recurrence in laser treated group were early compared to the cryo treated group which showed more sustainability over the entire study period