Gum depigmentation or Gum bleaching is a cosmetic dental treatment which aims in lightening the colour of the gums. Pigmented gums or dark gums occur when there is heavy melanin deposition on your gums. The gums on the front teeth are usually more affected and darker in shade.
Reasons for dark gums
- Heavy melanin accumulation might be genetic or a result of poor gingival health caused due to lifestyle habits
- Medications like antipsychotics, cancer medication or certain antibiotics
- In some cases it purely depends on the person and their general melanin deposition in the body i,e, skin and hair
- Poorly performed dental fillings, where the filling material has leaked onto the gums
- Certain medical syndromes like addison's disease
What do dark gums mean?
Are dark gums harmful? Generally, no they are not. They are purely an aesthetic concern and can easily be removed by pigmentation treatments. But if they are associated with poor gingival health, then yes, you will be at a risk for further depletion of your complete oral health.
Gum depigmentation treatments
The procedure revolves around removing the top layer of your gums which contains the dark pigment. This is done with the help of a tiny laser. The top part of your gums will be vapourized or burnt away, revealing the healthy pink gums underneath.
Step by step guide to the treatment
- You will have a complete checkup with your dentist first, where they will determine the level of your oral health
- For a complete aesthetic and healthy smile, a regular cleaning might be performed along with the treatment
- Once the initial check up is done, the dentist will prepare you for the treatment.
- Your teeth and gums will be cleaned with a sterile cotton roll and the area of treatment will be isolated with the same
- Depending on the intensity and area of the dark gums, the dentist might suggest a local anaesthesia injection or topical spray to numb the area
- Once the anaesthesia sets in, the laser will be run along your gums. The treatment will process slowly, focusing on each tooth and it’s gum part
- You might smell or see the vapourisation of gums.
- The dentist will keep cleaning your gums and checking the progress
The treatment is relatively simple and can be done under an hour. Also, there will be minimal to no pain as it is done under numbing.
Precautions to follow post treatment
- Laser gum depigmentation is a comparatively easy and quick procedure. It is minimally invasive meaning we are not disturbing much of your gum tissue. Hence the post-op care is minimal too
- It is advised to refrain from eating too hot or too spicy food. Also avoid eating hard foods with grains or particles that might get stuck on the treated area
- Slight sensitivity is common after the procedure for which your dentist might suggest some medication
The treated area might take from 3 days to a week to heal. Rest assured, you can continue your normal activities just like any other day.
Dark gums can be a cause for smile insecurities for many. But you don’t have to hide your smile anymore. With our advanced and precise gum pigmentation treatments, revamp your smile in no time. Contact our expert dental team now.
