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. 2023 Feb 23;15(2):e35345.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.35345. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Gingival Depigmentation Using Microneedling Technique With Topical Vitamin C: A Prospective Case Series

Diana Mostafa Sr  1 , Nader A Alaizari  2 , Shaden M AlOtaibi  3 , Najla Ahmed Aldosari  3 , Jamilah Rabie Al-Anazi  3 , Rawa S Alsughayer  3 , Hadeel M AlFayir  3 , Mona S AlHarthi  3 , Maram H AlAnazi  3
Affiliations

Gingival Depigmentation Using Microneedling Technique With Topical Vitamin C: A Prospective Case Series

Diana Mostafa Sr et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Introduction Gingival pigmentation is mainly physiological due to the production of melanin. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a microneedling technique using topical ascorbic acid in treating gingival hyperpigmentation. Methods A case-series study was established, and 16 out of 42 participants enrolled in this study according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A microneedling technique was performed using a Dermapen instrument, followed by the topical application of ascorbic acid on the pigmented gingiva. Variations in the Dummett oral pigmentation index (DOPI) and Hedin melanin index (HMI) scores were considered for each patient. A one-month follow-up was conducted on all patients. Results All the reported cases demonstrated noticeable improvement at the end of the sessions. Moreover, seven patients showed complete depigmentation of the gingiva. Analysis using paired T-tests showed a statistically significant lower post-treatment DOPI score with a mean difference of 1.8 ± 0.7, 95% CI: 0.17-1.49. Similarly, the HMI score was lower post-treatment with a mean difference of 3.1 ± 0.7, 95% CI: 2.74-3.50. Conclusions Microneedling combined with topical ascorbic acid is a novel, non-invasive dental technique that can effectively treat gingival hyperpigmentation.

Keywords: depigmentation of gingiva; dermapen; gingiva; gingival depigmentation; gingival hyperpigmentation; microneedling technique; topical vitamin c.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. A Dermapen device and topical vitamin C (1000 mg) were the materials used in the microneedling technique.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Consort flow diagram of patient selection
Figure 3
Figure 3. Microneedling technique
A Dermapen device was used to create the microholes in the gingiva that will receive the topical application of ascorbic acid powder.
Figure 4
Figure 4. A graph of the pigmentation scores
Comparison between pigmentation scores before and after the microneedling technique
Figure 5
Figure 5. Preoperative and postoperative pictures
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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