ArticleCureus2024
Comparative Assessment of Gingival Depigmentation Using Scalpel Versus Microneedling With Ascorbic Acid: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Article in Cureus, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. It is linked to 2 registered trials, which are not on this map. Cited by 8 papers, 2 of them syntheses that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Efficacy of Microneedling With Vitamin C in Performing Gingival Depigmentation Compared With Conventional Scalpel and Diode Laser: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Clinical Evaluation of Microneedling Technique With Topical Application of Silymarin on Gingival Hyperpigmentation in Comparison With Diode Laser and Scalpel Methods. A Randomized Clinical Trial
Who cites it
8 citing papers in PubMed, 2 syntheses or guidelines pooled it.
- Efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin and microneedling for thin gingival phenotype: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC oral health · 2026Pooled it
- Therapeutic Impact of Ascorbic Acid on Oral and Periodontal Tissues: A Systematic Literature Review.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2024Pooled it
- Gingival depigmentation by conservative injectable vitamin C in comparison with scalpel surgery: a randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial.BMC research notes · 2025Trial
- How Effective Is Vitamin C for Gingival Depigmentation? A Scoping Review.Clinical and experimental dental research · 2026Article
- Effectiveness of Vitamin C for Gingival Depigmentation: A Systematic Review.International journal of dentistry · 2026Article
- Comparative evaluation of microneedling with Vitamin C and Vitamin C alone in the management of thin gingival phenotype: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial.Journal of Indian Society of PeriodontologyArticle
- Clinical and patient-reported outcomes of microneedling with ascorbic acid versus scalpel technique for gingival depigmentation: A randomized clinical trial.Journal of oral biology and craniofacial researchArticle
- Effectiveness of Vitamin C in managing gingival hyperpigmentation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Indian Society of PeriodontologyReview
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background Gingival pigmentation (GP), characterized by the presence of melanin in the gingival tissues, is a common aesthetic concern in dental practice. While it poses no inherent health risks, the visible discoloration may cause psychological distress for individuals seeking optimal dental aesthetics. Understanding the efficacy of various methods is essential for refining treatment strategies and enhancing patient satisfaction in the realm of gingival depigmentation (GD). Aim The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of scalpel and microneedling (MN) with ascorbic acid in the treatment of GD. Materials and methods Sixteen patients who had a complaint of GP were included in the study, of whom eight were allocated for depigmentation with a scalpel, and the other eight patients were treated with the MN technique with ascorbic acid. Postoperative wound healing scores were evaluated on the first and seventh days, respectively. The intensity of depigmentation was assessed at baseline, in the first month, and at the end of the third month, respectively. Results The mean Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) score at baseline was 2.65±0.16 and 2.61±0.17 in the surgical and microneedling groups with ascorbic acid, respectively. The mean DOPI score at the end of the third month was 1.67±0.39 and 0.87±0.17 in the scalpel and MN with ascorbic acid groups, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the scalpel and MN with ascorbic acid groups at the end of the first and third months, respectively, where MN with ascorbic acid showed aesthetically pleasing outcomes. Patients treated with the scalpel technique showed incomplete healing and ulceration on the first and seventh days after the procedure when compared to the MN technique with ascorbic acid. The healing index scores were statistically significant in the MN with ascorbic acid group. Conclusion The MN technique with ascorbic acid is a successful technique for treating GD. It showed aesthetically gratifying outcomes when compared to the conventional surgical technique.
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Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.