Comparative clinical evaluation of Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet and diode lasers for gingival depigmentation: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial
Simran Radhu, Snehal Singh, Rajeev Pathak, Amrita Singh, Sweta Yadav, Disha GuptaAbstract:
Introduction:
Numerous methods for gingival depigmentation have been described in the literature; however, few studies have compared Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) and diode lasers for depigmentation performed in a single session. This study compared these two laser systems in the management of gingival hyperpigmentation (GHP).
Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Q-switched Nd:YAG and diode lasers in the management of GHP.
Materials and Methods:
In this split-mouth study, 20 patients with moderate-to-severe gingival melanin pigmentation were enrolled. Study sites were equally distributed between two groups. Group I was treated with a 980-nm diode laser operated in continuous mode and Group II was treated with a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) in free-running pulse mode. Clinical parameters, including pigmentation index, healing index, pain (Visual Analog Scale), and recurrence rate, were assessed at predefined intervals.
Results:
Clinical evaluation showed complete gingival healing by weeks 1, 3, and 5 in both groups, with no significant postoperative pain. The diode laser group demonstrated higher recurrence rates at 6 and 9 months (40% and 20%, respectively) compared with the Nd:YAG group (20% and 10%, respectively).
Conclusion:
Both Nd:YAG and diode lasers are effective for the management of GHP. Recurrence may occur with both modalities; however, a lower recurrence rate was observed in the Nd:YAG group compared with the diode laser group.