Gum Depigmentation

Gum Depigmentation or Gum Bleaching

Gum depigmentation or gum bleaching, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure to lighten or remove black spots or patches on the gums caused by melanin. These discolouration may sometimes caused by long-term use of certain medications. The procedure itself can involve surgical, LASER ablation techniques.

Melanocytes are cells responsible for pigmentation present in gums and skin. These cells produce melanin, a pigment that cause light or dark brown spots in gums and oral mucosa. The most common cause is genetic factors or tobacco smoking, Smoker's melanosis. If the melanin pigmentation is found in a person smoking cigarettes, the most effective way to get rid of the pigmentation is to stop smoking. Most of the patients are free from the melanin pigmentation after 3 months. A dental laser targets and ablates the melanocytes, therefore reducing the production of melanin in the gingival tissue. Following laser depigmentation, the gingiva heals by secondary intention. This results in a lighter and more uniform color of the gums.