title: Comparison of two different depigmentation techniques for treatment of hyperpigmented gingiva.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Demand for cosmetic therapy of gingival melanin pigmentation is common. Re-pigmentation after gingival depigmentation is an important point. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of surgical scraping and electrosurgery on postoperative pain, healing and recurrence of pigmentation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifteen patients with esthetic concern related to black gums were selected and treated by surgical scraping with respect to right quadrant and electrosurgery with respect to left quadrant. Patients were recalled post-operatively to evaluate healing and recurrence of pigmentation. Each patient was asked to complete the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) index cards 2 and 24 hours postoperatively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the initial post-operative period, VAS index cards showed that the discomfort and pain level associated with electrosurgery was significantly higher than conventional scalpel surgery (P < 0.05). Clinically delayed healing was observed in the electrosurgically treated site. Electrosurgery showed better results as compared to epithelial excision for recurrence of pigments. At the end of 15 months, 7 sites in the scalpel excision group showed recurrence, whereas only 4 site showed recurrence in the electrosurgically treated group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The methods used here produced desired results and above all, the patients were satisfied with the outcome. Increased pain level and clinically delayed healing was associated with electrosurgery as compared to scalpel surgery, whereas repigmentation occurred more frequently in scalpel-treated sites.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Geeti
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gupta
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Ashish
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kumar
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Manish
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Khatri
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Komal
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Puri
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Deept
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Institute of Dental Studies and Technologies, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.
authors.forename: Mansi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bansal
keywords: Depigmentation; electrosurgery; esthetics; gingiva; pain; re-pigmentation