Vitamin C for Gingival Depigmentation

Clinical and Histological Evaluation of Topical Vitamin C Application Using Three Modalities in Gingival Depigmentation

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and histopathological efficacy of topical vitamin C applications using three modalities (topical gel, microneedling , and mesotherapy) in gingival depigmentation. Assessment includes clinical evaluation, CIELAB analysis via DOPI, and histopathological examination (Fontana-Masson staining).

Inclusion Criteria:

- 1- Both genders aged from 20-35 years. 2- Patients clinically diagnosed with physiologic gingival melanin pigmentation in the maxillary and mandibular keratinized gingiva.

3- Patients complaining of compromised esthetics. 4- Patients should be systemically free any disease as verified by a medical history diagnostic sheet or via health questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

- 1- Patient clinically diagnosed with periodontitis and / or manifest poor oral hygiene with high plaque and gingival indices 2- Pregnant or lactating females. 3- Patients with clinical diagnosed lesion in the area of interest primarily the gingivae encompassing the maxillary /mandibular anterior teeth e.g. pigmented lesion of intestinal polyposis syndrome, McCune-Albright syndrome and fibro-osseous lesions as florid osseous dysplasia.

4- Patient with previous treatment of gingival hyperpigmentation. 5- Patients with history of being allergic to the vitamin C. 6- Patients with any systemic disease ( e.g. Addison disease ) or drugs consumed that may cause clinical gingival hyperpigmentation 7- Patients who are active or previous smokers.