In this case report, a split mouth study was carried out to differentiate the usage of scalpel on the 11, 12, 13 region and 810nm diode laser (Denlase) on the 21, 22, 23 region for depigmentation. Re-evaluation was carried out at the end of one month. Healing was uneventful, with faster healing seen on the scalpel side than laser at the end of 1 week. Complete wound healing was achieved at the end of one month. Scalpel is still the most effective technique for gingival depigmentation, although laser has better patient related outcomes like less pain and discomfort post operatively

Keywords : Depigmentation, Scalpel, Surgical, Diode laser.