“Comparative evaluation of microneedling alone and microneedling along with 2% curcumin gel application in the Management of gingival hyperpigmentation: a split mouth prospective case series.”

Abstract

Background: Gingival hyperpigmentation is an aesthetic concern, and minimally invasive
techniques such as microneedling may provide an alternative to conventional depigmentation
procedures. Curcumin may act as a potential adjunct because of its antioxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties. Aim: To compare the clinical effect of microneedling alone with
microneedling combined with 2% curcumin gel for gingival depigmentation. Methods: A split-
mouth prospective case series was conducted in 5 participants, involving 10 treatment sites. Five
sites received microneedling alone and five received microneedling with 2% curcumin gel.
Gingival pigmentation was assessed using the Dummett-Gupta Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI)
at baseline, 1, 4 and 12 weeks. Results: DOPI scores decreased from 3.0 at baseline to 1.9 at 12
weeks with microneedling alone and to 1.5 with microneedling combined with 2% curcumin gel.
Both approaches showed reduction in pigmentation, with a greater reduction observed in the
curcumin group. Conclusion: Microneedling demonstrated a clinically evident reduction in
gingival hyperpigmentation, while adjunctive 2% curcumin gel showed an additional reduction
in DOPI scores. Larger studies with longer follow-up are required to confirm these preliminary
findings.