Is Gum Depigmentation Safe?
Are you disappointed in your smile because your gums look dark? Do you avoid showing your teeth because of the visible areas of hyperpigmentation? Your teeth may be healthy and white, but the discoloration of your gums can diminish your smile and lessen your confidence.
There is a common procedure that can remove those darker gums. Laser gum bleaching is a popular cosmetic procedure because it is fast, very safe, and delivers highly predictable results.
What Causes Darkened Gums?
Dark gums, called gingival hyperpigmentation, are not usually a sign of a health problem. Most of the time discoloration is a concern for just aesthetic purposes. You might seek treatment because you are embarrassed by the appearance of your gums. How do your gums become discolored? Deeper red, darkened, or spots on your gums can have several causes:
- Ethnicity- Genetics and your ethnicity can contribute to the likelihood of you developing discolored gum tissue. You may have larger amounts of melanin and are more prone to darker gums.
- Poor oral hygiene- If you do not take diligent care of your teeth and gums, you will notice that your gums become red or swollen. There is the risk of permanent discoloration if you develop a severe infection.
- Medications- Some prescribed medications will affect the gum tissue causing pigmentation change. If you continue to take the medication causing the issue, you may need to repeat the laser gum bleaching treatments.
- Lifestyle and habits- Tobacco use is another factor that leads to gum discoloration. If you seek treatment to lighten your gums but continue to use tobacco, the problem will reoccur.
You may not be able to control all the causes of your darker gums. Your habits and choices do have a significant impact on your oral health. Developing and maintaining a good dental care program along with a healthy lifestyle will make a positive difference.
How Does Laser Gum Bleaching Work?
Laser gum bleaching works because the energy is attracted to colors. This unique feature is why lasers are frequently used to remove unwanted tattoos. Dental lasers are gentle and extremely effective. This technique is quite safe and less invasive than surgical methods to treat dark gums.
If you choose laser gum bleaching, you can expect to enjoy immediate results with a fast recovery. The results are long-lasting if you take proper care of your teeth and gums.
Before your procedure, your dentist will conduct an exam to confirm if you are a viable candidate. They will look for any signs of infection, thinning gums, or other concerns that will need to be corrected before you can undergo treatment. If you have healthy gums, there should be no issues.
When it is time for your appointment, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic for your comfort. You may discuss other sedation options if you are uncomfortable. Your dentist is aware that a dental visit can cause anxiety. Ask questions if you are nervous in any way. They will professionally do their best to help lessen your stress so you can relax during the procedure.
Once the anesthetic is working, your dentist will use a laser to gently remove the darkened brown or black patches to restore your healthy pink gums. The entire process usually takes between one and two hours. Some treatments are as quick as 20 minutes. You can return to work or your normal routine directly after this safe procedure with no side effects.