Clinical repigmentation after gingival depigmentation is an outcome of histologic changes in the melanocyte activity and density of the melanin pigments. Surgical stripping for gingival depigmentation remains the gold standard; however, Er:YAG laser and CO2 lasers can be effectively used but with distinct differences.

Results of the present study show that patients suffering from chronic periodontitis have a lower number of erythrocytes and hemoglobin compared to healthy controls. Thus, based on these results it can be concluded that, like any other chronic condition, chronic periodontitis can lead to anemia.

The bactericidal effect of the diode laser was clearly evident by greater reduction of CFU of obligate anaerobes in the test group than in the control group.

From the present study it can be concluded that Nd:YAG laser can be used as an alternative technique for gingival depigmentation. However, surgical stripping continues to remain as a cost-effective procedure.

Background:In the contemporary dental practice, alleviation of pain is the most important factor to ameliorate patient's condition and to gain one's confidence towards the skills of the operator. Such confidence aids to the ultimate success of the treatment procedures.Aims and Objectives:This study compares the pain response of a group of 10 subjects to the Wand® with the response to traditional syringe injections and also compares the extent of the area anesthetized.Materials and Methods:10 subjects were selected for the study and 20 injections were given contralaterally to them, 10 with Wand®, and rest with the traditional aspirating syringe. Each subject received 2 injections on the palate, Left side with Wand® (test) and Right side with Traditional syringe (control). All injections were given by the same investigator without the use of topical anesthetic spray/gel. Pain perception levels were recorded with a visual analogue scale. Also the extent of area anesthetized with a single palatal injection was assessed by probing.Results:The results showed injections with the syringe were more painful than injections with the Wand® in 2 of 10 subjects. Also the extent of the area anesthetized by both the techniques was similar except in 2 patients.Conclusion:The Wand® results in less painful injections; however, mean ratings of pain for both the groups, were mostly below the annoying level of pain. Also, the areas covered by the anesthetic effect of both the injections were comparatively similar.