Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Adjunctive Diode Laser Therapy and Probiotic Lactobacillus Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontitis and Peri-Implant Disease
Published on: May 9, 2022
Comparative evaluation of microneedling technique and diode laser in gingival depigmentation: A prospective
Natasha Singh1, Ruchi Pandey1, Nipun Dhalla1
1Department of Periodontology. Manav Rachna Dental College, Sector - 43, Delhi, Suraj Kund Badkhal Rd, Faridabad, Haryana 121010.
Background:
Gingival hyperpigmentation due to increased melanocyte activity is a common esthetic concern. Although several depigmentation techniques exist, recurrence remains a clinical challenge. Minimally invasive approaches such as diode laser and microneedling with ascorbic acid have gained attention. Aim: To compare gingival re-pigmentation following depigmentation using diode laser and microneedling with ascorbic acid.
Materials And Methods:
This randomized controlled study included 32 systemically healthy patients (DOPI 1). Participants were allocated into Group A (diode laser, 940 nm) and Group B (microneedling with topical ascorbic acid). Clinical parameters-Visible Plaque Index (VPI), Modified Gingival Index (MGI), and Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI)-were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Pain was assessed using VAS.
Results:
Both groups showed significant reductions in DOPI from baseline to 12 months (p = 0.0001). Near-complete depigmentation was observed at 3 months, with mild re-pigmentation at 12 months (0.42 ± 0.34 and 0.47 ± 0.22), without significant intergroup differences (p > 0.05). Microneedling showed higher 24-hour VAS scores, but pain resolved in both groups by day 7. VPI and MGI improved significantly in both groups (p = 0.0001).
Conclusions:
Both modalities are effective, safe, and cost-effective, with comparable long-term outcomes. Diode laser demonstrated lower immediate postoperative discomfort.
