A Minimally Invasive Technique for the Management of Physiologic Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation: A Case Series

Cureus. 2024 Mar 19;16(3):e56511. doi: 10.7759/cureus.56511. eCollection 2024 Mar.

Abstract

An attractive smile enhances an individual's self-confidence. The overall harmony of a smile can be attributed to the interplay of the teeth's shape, color, and position along with the gingival tissue. Gingival pigmentation is observed across all human races, exhibiting variations from one race to another. Typically, gingival hyperpigmentation results from the abnormal buildup of melanin in the gingival tissue, imparting a dark appearance on the gums. Various procedures, collectively known as gingival depigmentation, are employed to address gingival hyperpigmentation. While the initial outcomes of depigmentation procedures are often promising, one common issue associated with them is the potential for re-pigmentation. This article aims to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and patient-reported outcomes of intraepidermal (oral mesotherapy) vitamin C injection for nonsurgical management of physiologic gingival melanin hyperpigmentation.

Keywords: atraumatic dentistry; esthetics; gingival depigmentation; minimally invasive dentistry; oral mesotherapy; periodontal plastic surgery; periodontics; pink esthetics; smile correction; vitamin c.

Publication types

  • Case Reports