Side Effects of Gum Depigmentation
A healthy smile includes straight, white teeth and healthy gums. Healthy gum tissue is typically pink in color and fits snuggly around the teeth. Healthy gums do not contain periodontal pockets, deterioration, recession, or cover the teeth. These things can all be signs of oral issues such as periodontal disease.
While gum pigmentation is not considered to be an oral health concern, it does impact the appearance of the patient’s smile. Dark gums can make patients fell self-conscious and hinder their self-esteem, this can be especially prevalent when the patient is in public. Fortunately, dark gums can be treated through gum depigmentation.
Gum depigmentation, which is also called gum bleaching, is a cosmetic procedure where dark spots on the gums are corrected. Healthy gum tissue is usually a pale pink color. With gum depigmentation, however, there are extremely high amounts of melanin which result in dark spots and patches on the gums. Discoloration affects the patient’s smile and can be quite noticeable depending on where the dark spots are located in the mouth.
While gum depigmentation is sometimes called gum bleaching, bleach is not actually used during the treatment. The term is similar to the idea of teeth whitening where a treatment or product lightens the color of the teeth. Unfortunately, it is not safe to use bleaching solutions or agents on the gums as they are incredibly sensitive. Fortunately, dentists can use advanced technology which is highly effective and minimally invasive to restore the appearance of a patient’s gums and obtain a healthy, pink appearance.
Advanced technology combined with the latest techniques allow dentists the ability to restore the appearance of a patient’s smile and give them back their confidence. Gum depigmentation treatment can be completed using several different techniques. During the procedure, the dentist can remove dark spots on the gums from excessive levels of melanin. The result of the treatment is healthy gum tissue and a beautiful smile. The procedure is incredibly safe, has minimal down time, and allows patients to quickly return to routine activities.
Signs of Dark Gums
Healthy gums should be a pale pinkish color. Patients who have a darker complexion may have a brownish shade on their gums because of the natural production of extra melanin. In some cases, patients are born with darker gums and others experience a change in the color of their gum tissue over time. A change in the gums can suggest the presence of an underlying issue. If patients notice a change in the color, appearance, or shape of their gums, they should follow up with their dentist. This could suggest gum disease or another oral health issue. Dark gums can be treated, however, it is important to first identify the cause.
Causes
There are several things which can cause dark spots on the gums. Patients should follow up with a dental professional in there are to properly identify the cause and treat the issue. Because healthy gums are typically pink, changes in color should be addressed. The patient’s complexion, natural production of melanin, and genetic components can all impact the pigmentation of the gum tissue. Dark gums are commonly caused by an increase in the production of melanin which results in the gums appearing darker overall.
If you notice dark spots on your gums or a change in the appearance of your gums, follow up with the dentist right away. The dentist can help identify the cause and discuss treatment options such as gum depigmentation.