Evaluation of Oral Health-Related Quality of Life Following Laser Gingival Depigmentation: A Metric Questionnaire-Based Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION

Gingival hyperpigmentation, often caused by excessive melanin deposition, can compromise smile aesthetics and affect an individual's self-esteem. As aesthetic demands in dentistry continue to rise, gingival depigmentation has emerged as a patient-driven solution to enhance oral appearance. This study investigates the effect of laser-assisted gingival depigmentation on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in young adults, using a validated metric questionnaire.

METHODS

Young patients with varying degrees of gingival pigmentation underwent laser depigmentation with a laser device, and OHRQoL scores were assessed pre- and post-treatment using a detailed questionnaire designed for young adults. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine the significance of improvements across psychosocial and functional domains.

RESULTS

Laser-assisted gingival depigmentation significantly improved oral health-related quality of life across all domains. The total OHRQoL score decreased from a median of 28.8 ± 8.72 before treatment to 13.77 ± 1.88 after treatment (Z = -5.162, p < 0.001). Improvements were observed in social function (paired difference = 3.80 ± 2.79), physical function (paired difference = 3.17 ± 1.97), and self-perception/anxiety (paired difference = 8.06 ± 3.02). Participants with a Dummett-Gupta score of 3 showed a greater reduction (paired difference = 17.41 ± 7.75) compared to those with a score of 2 (paired difference = 11.00 ± 5.81), indicating enhanced aesthetic and psychosocial benefits in individuals with higher baseline pigmentation.

CONCLUSION

Laser gingival depigmentation significantly improves OHRQoL by enhancing patient confidence, social interactions, and functional well-being. These results underscore its role as a minimally invasive and effective approach in periodontal aesthetic treatments. Future research should explore long-term outcomes and standardized psychological assessment methods for a more comprehensive understanding of patient-reported benefits.