Immediate and Early Esthetic Outcomes of Gingival Depigmentation Using 980nm Diode vs. 2940 nm Er:YAG Lasers

Background: Gingival hyperpigmentation presents an esthetic challenge, particularly in patients with high smile lines. Conventional depigmentation methods such as scalpel excision and abrasion are effective but often associated with bleeding, pain, and delayed healing. Laser-assisted depigmentation has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative. Among available modalities, diode (980 nm) and Er:YAG (2940 nm) lasers are widely used, but limited evidence exists comparing their immediate and early esthetic outcomes. Aim: To compare the immediate and early esthetic outcomes, healing response, and patient-reported experiences following gingival depigmentation with 980 nm diode and 2940 nm Er:YAG lasers. Methodology: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial was conducted in 30 systemically healthy patients with bilateral maxillary anterior gingival pigmentation. Each patient received depigmentation with a diode laser on one side and an Er:YAG laser on the contralateral side, allocated by computer-generated randomization. Outcomes included esthetic improvement measured using the Dummett–Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) and Hedin Melanin Index, wound healing assessed by the Landry Healing Index, and patient-reported pain and satisfaction scores using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Assessments were performed at baseline, immediately postoperatively, 1 week, and 1 month. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and repeated measures ANOVA, with p