Laser-Assisted Depigmentation-An Introspection of the Science, Techniques, and Perceptions

Gingival hyperpigmentation is a major concern for a significant number of patients, as a relevant aesthetic or cosmetic need. Oral melanin pigmentation is considered to be multifactorial and could be related to physiological or even pathological reasons and can be the consequence of a variety of local or systemic factors. This pigmentation varies individually across races or age groups and is without any gender predilection. Evidence gleaned from literature is presented from case-control studies and from the authors' own research work in prospective, split-mouth, double-blinded, clinical trials comparing treatment modalities in effecting depigmentation.

A systematic review of published articles, using suitable assay criteria, was carried out to formulate a consensus on laser-assisted modalities. A total of 295 published sources were subject to critical analysis and resulted in six papers that were subject to data scrutiny. Additionally, evidence is presented on clinical protocols and treatment outcomes.

Analysis of randomized clinical studies identified the use of two laser wavelength groups-near infrared diode and erbium group of mid-infrared lasers. Several areas of analysis were examined, and inconsistent degrees of significance were obtained to establish which laser group was optimal and if they were any better than scalpel depigmentation.

A definitive conclusion is wanting as studies with scientific and standardized protocols of evaluation are yet to provide a take on comparative assessments between different techniques of depigmentation.