Chemo Exfoliation (Ascorbic Acid) Technique of Gingival Melanin Depigmentation- A Case Report”
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Abstract
Introduction: Gingival melanin hyper pigmentation is an perioaesthetics problem which concern many individuals. Gingival hyper pigmentation can be defined as a darker gingival colour beyond what is normally expected various surgical and non-surgical approaches have been reported for its management but most of them are associated with hazardous effects.
Objective: Evaluate the efficiency of vitamin C as a depigmenting agent in patients with physiologic gingival hyper pigmentation and assess its clinical effect on the patients’ gingival health.
Case Description: Anterior gum region of both maxillary and mandibular arches were anesthetized topically by Lignocaine 15% w/w. Intra epidermal injection of vitamin C was repeated once per week until no visible pigmentation. The patients were recalled after 15 days, 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment for follow up. Dummet-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) along with patient satisfaction using a 5 grade assessment scale by Huh and pain assessment using Visual Analog Scale was taken at baseline and at respective follow-ups.
Result: There is a decrease in pigmentation indices scores and reduction in the area with a significant difference between pre-operative visit and both injection as well as follow-up visits. Vitamin C showed effective depigmentation of gingiva after 6 months
Conclusion: Vitamin C injection is a safe, minimally invasive non-surgical depigmenting technique which improves health of gingival tissues.