Licorice Extract Gel Versus Diode Laser for Physiologic Gingival Pigmentation

This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of topical licorice extract gel and diode laser (445 nm) in the treatment of physiologic gingival pigmentation. Twenty-four adult patients presenting with physiologic melanin pigmentation in the anterior esthetic zone of the maxillary or mandibular gingiva will be randomly allocated into two equal groups. One group will be treated with diode laser therapy, while the other group will receive topical licorice extract gel. Clinical outcomes will be assessed using standardized gingival pigmentation indices and patient satisfaction questionnaires over a follow-up period of 36 weeks.