Gum depigmentation, or gum bleaching, is a minimally invasive and safe laser surgical procedure that many patients choose if some areas on their gums are discolored or darkened instead of pink. The most common cause for this issue is excess buildup of melanin, mainly due to genetics. Your teeth may be healthy, but discolored gum tissue can detract from your smile and cause you to feel less confident in your appearance.
What is Involved in Laser Gum Depigmentation?
The laser gum depigmentation process is highly effective. Your dentist will use a laser to remove a thin layer of gum tissue and the cells that produce melanin. As you heal and new tissue develops, gums tend to be pink rather than dark red, brown, or black.
Laser gum depigmentation is safe and much less invasive than traditional surgical stripping, which can be painful, require longer recovery time, and include a greater chance of infection. If you choose laser gum depigmentation, you can expect immediate results and a fast recovery. Treatment can last up to 20 years, or possibly for your lifetime, if you take proper care of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Laser gum depigmentation is effective because lasers use light energy instead of cutting, which is why lasers are also frequently used in removing other unsightly skin issues, such as brown spots and tattoos.
Your dentist will use local anesthesia to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Afterward, you may experience some temporary gum sensitivity, but you should have no issues with speech, and you can resume normal activities immediately with no restrictions on what you can eat.
What Causes Discolored Gums?
Gum tissue that is darker in color, instead of pale pink, is known as gingival hyperpigmentation. Discolored gums do not necessarily mean you have an oral health problem. In most cases, discoloration is only a concern for aesthetic purposes. Dark red, brown, or black gums can have several causes:
- Poor Oral Hygiene. Your gums can become sore, inflamed, and discolored if you do not take good care of your teeth, gums, and mouth. If you develop a severe oral infection, you can be at risk for permanent discoloration or scarring.
- Medication. Some prescribed medications affect gum tissue and cause pigmentation differences. Consult with your primary medical provider before discontinuing any medication and for advice on laser gum treatment.
- Ethnicity. Genetics and ethnicity also contribute to the likelihood of discolored gum tissue. People who naturally have larger amounts of melanin are more prone to dark gums.
- Lifestyle and Habits. Tobacco is a leading factor in gum discoloration. If you receive gum depigmentation treatment but continue to smoke or chew tobacco, you are likely to experience continuing issues.
Practice Good Dental Care and Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Not all causes of gum discoloration, especially genetics, are things you can control. But if you have a good dental care routine that includes twice daily brushing and flossing at least once a day, if you avoid or minimize eating highly sugary foods, and if you stop smoking or seek help to quit, then your lifestyle choices can make a significant and positive difference.
If you decide on gum depigmentation for discoloration issues, laser surgery is a safe and effective option for most patients.
Related Article: Causes of Black Gums, Solutions & Prevention