Gingival Hyperpigmentation Treatment

The site of interest will be anesthetized using topical anesthetic agent (lignocaine gel or xylocaine gel). Infiltration anesthesia will be recommended during the first injection visit. Intraepidermal injection of 1-1.5 ml of vitamin C and glutathione will be performed. It will be locally introduced in relation to the keratinized gingival tissues with extension to the whole target region successively using special syringes (50 gauge).

The needle will be introduced parallel to the gingival tissues with the bevel facing upwards. Vitamin C & glutathione will then be delivered through the attached gingival tissues at the epithelium-connective tissue junction (equivalent to epidermal- dermal junction) till the tissues blanch. Maximum 0.1 ml of injection is recommended for each point with 2-3 mm apart. The same dose will be repeated once per week for maximum 4 visits till no further color improvement gained.

Using a 15c blade an epithelial layer and part of connective tissue will be removed till the pigmentation disappears with ultra care not to expose the bone. The marginal and interdental papillary tissues remain critical regions, fortunately, they are not deeply pigmented. Periodontal dressing is recommended for minimal 7 days postoperative.

Patients will be instructed to avoid the mechanical trauma to the treated sites. Patients will be administering an analgesic (Ibuprofen 400 mg) to be used as needed. Following each injection visit, the patients will be asked to abstain from mechanical oral hygiene procedures in relation to the target region for the day of procedure only. Plain tooth pastes (Colgate toothpaste) with anti- inflammatory mouthwash (Citrolin mouth, Pharco Company, Egypt) were recommended.

Degree of gingival pigmentation 0: no pigmentation

1. solitary unit (s) of pigmentation in papillary gingiva without extension between neighboring solitary units
2. formation of continuous ribbon extending from neighboring solitary units)