Melanin Recurrence in Scalpel and LASER Gingival Depigmentation in Thin and Thick Phenotypes.

Inclusion Criteria: (i) Be aged at least 20 years, (ii) had bilateral physiologic melanin hyperpigmentation of gingiva (dark gums) in the anterior segment with severe grade II melanin hyperpigmentation (according to modification of melanin index categories 1977), (iii) periodontally healthy with good oral hygiene, (iv) had esthetic concern, (v) systemically healthy, (vi) no dental crowding and (vii) those willing to undergo minor surgical procedures. Exclusion Criteria: (i) any systemic disease associated with pathological hyperpigmentation), (ii) non-treated periodontal disease, (iii) chronic smokers, (iv) subjects with a mouth breathing habit (ii) subjects with crown restorations or fillings involving the incisal edge on anterior maxillary teeth, (v) non-compliant patients (vi) missing any of the six maxillary anterior teeth and having Millers Class III or Class IV recession (vii) pregnant or lactating females and (viii) (ix) gingival pigmentation of hemoglobin, melanoid, melanoma and carotene , (x) Gingival pigmentation adjacent to amalgam restoration, and (xi) Long-term usage of antimalarial drugs and minocycline.