Side Effects of Gum Depigmentation
White, lustrous teeth might be the first thing you think of when you think of a healthy, attractive smile, but the reality is that the health and appearance of the gums also contributes to the overall effects of a dazzling smile. Healthy gum tissue should fit tightly around the teeth with no gum recession, exposing ideal proportions of the teeth from an even, symmetrical gum line. In most cases, healthy gum tissue is naturally pink, though some people have hyperpigmented gums that appear black or brown while remaining perfectly healthy. This condition is most common in people with darker skin, though it may also appear as a side effect of certain systemic conditions or medications or as a result of smoking. While it is not an indication of health issues, gum hyperpigmentation can affect a person’s self-esteem, interfering with their ability to confidently, comfortably smile, laugh, and even talk.
Because hyperpigmentation in the gums is not a medical concern, treatment for the condition is considered cosmetic and is done solely to improve the appearance of the smile and the oral cavity. The gum depigmentation procedure, which is also called gum bleaching, removes the outer layers of hyperpigmented tissue and restores the gum tissue to a vivid, natural pink color by allowing new tissue to regrow. The treatment is minimally invasive and relatively pain-free, with brief healing times and minimal risks of side effects. When the surface layer of gingival epithelium is removed, accumulated excess melanin is stripped away with it and the underlying tissue is exposed, allowing it to regrow firm, healthy, pink gum tissue.
This minimally invasive procedure is performed with a local anesthetic and helps people improve the appearance of their smile with little pain or discomfort and short recovery times. Some discomfort can be expected following the procedure, though most patients report that this discomfort is minimal and can return to normal activity within a day following treatment. Some patients also report increased gum sensitivity following treatment, though most patients report that over-the-counter pain medications are effective at eliminating discomfort and providing relief. The success rates for the treatment are high, and side effects of gum depigmentation, when reported, are minimal. Most patients achieve excellent results in one or two treatments, though more severe cases of gingival hyperpigmentation may require additional treatments.
While gum hyperpigmentation is often caused by genetics and is more common among people with higher levels of melanin, changes in the color of the gum tissue can also arise for other reasons. These changes could be indicative of underlying issues, and any changes in the appearance of the gums should be reported to your dentist so they can thoroughly evaluate your oral cavity and determine the cause. Some of these changes could include spots or patches or brown or darker color and might indicate the presence of periodontal disease or other oral issues. It’s important for an expert to diagnose the cause of gingival hyperpigmentation before embarking on treatment, as treatment will vary depending on the cause. When darkened areas appear on gums that are otherwise healthy, gum depigmentation could be an excellent way to make the gums appear as healthy and vital as they actually are and to restore the patient’s confidence in their smile.