Evaluation of Gingival Depigmentation Using Different Surgical Techniques and Prevention of Repigmentation With...

Background Gingival depigmentation is a cosmetic periodontal plastic surgical procedure for removing or reducing unesthetic melanin hyperpigmentation-the reappearance of melanin pigmentation after gingival depigmentation has been reported. Vitamin C has been routinely used for the management of hyperpigmentation in dermatology. However, very few studies have been conducted on the use of Vitamin C for the management of gingival hyperpigmentation. Further, the use of Vitamin C to prevent the recurrence of pigmentation after its surgical removal has not been reported. Hence, the present study was conducted. Aim The aim of the study is to evaluate gingival depigmentation by different surgical techniques and the prevention of repigmentation using Vitamin C. Methods Sixty-four sites in subjects aged 20-45 years with chief complaints of black-looking gums were selected. Scaling and root planning were done. Gingival depigmentation was performed by scalpel at half the sites (32 sites) and by laser technique at the other half sites (32 sites) under adequate local anesthesia. The gingival pigmentation index (Dummett-Gupta oral pigmentation index (DOPI)), visual analog scale (VAS), and surface area of pigmentation were assessed. Vitamin C was administered two weeks after surgical depigmentation and then at monthly intervals for six months. Results There was a statistically significant decrease in the DOPI score, the surface area of pigmentation from baseline to one year (p < 0.000), and the VAS score at laser-treated sites as compared to scalpel-treated sites at one month (p < 0.000). Conclusion Laser depigmentation is minimally invasive and preferred. Recurrence of gingival melanin pigmentation can be minimized by the administration of Vitamin C.