Dark Gums Laser Therapy at Advanced Dental Implant and TMJ Centre

Dark gums are typically caused by an excess of melanin, the pigment that darkens skin. Individuals with more melanin may have black gums, though not everyone with dark skin has dark gums—this is largely due to genetics. Additionally, smoking and certain medications can lead to gum discoloration. This condition, known as gum pigmentation, can cause the gums to darken.

Smoking leads to gum discoloration and is known as smoker’s melanosis. The nicotine in tobacco stimulates melanocytes, cells that produce melanin, causing gums to turn black or brown. This discoloration may appear in patches or cover the entire mouth. Research shows that ceasing smoking can reverse this discoloration.

Normally, gums are pink for those with lighter skin and brownish for those with darker skin. However, gums can change color to blackish, reddish, or bluish due to factors like smoking, medications, drug poisoning, or underlying conditions like Addison’s disease. Monitoring gum color is important for early diagnosis of potential health issues.

Laser gum depigmentation uses a laser to gently lighten the color of the gums. The procedure can transition gums from a dark brown to a pink shade based on the patient’s preference. If the desired gum color is not achieved in a single session, follow-up visits can be scheduled.

Gum depigmentation is a cosmetic periodontal procedure aimed at removing dark spots from the gums. Also known as gum bleaching or gum lightening, it does not involve the use of bleaching agents, which could harm the gum tissue. Instead, laser or microdermabrasion is used to lighten the gums.

Following gum depigmentation, patients may experience mild pain and sensitivity. However, most find relief with over-the-counter medications. This procedure has a high success rate, providing many patients with a lighter and more appealing smile. We strive to ensure a pleasant and painless experience for our patients.

Dr. Adatrow will administer local anesthesia to minimize pain during the procedure. After the anesthesia wears off, you might experience some pain or discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter analgesics or painkillers.

Laser gum depigmentation is a straightforward and minimally invasive treatment. The laser targets the dark pigment and removes the dark layer from the gums, achieving the desired hue. This treatment can be applied to a small area or the entire gum surface, resulting in luminous gums and a bright smile with minimal recovery time.

Yes, you can! We can treat any place and/or region that needs to be lightened in Advanced Dental Implant and TMJ Center. The patient doesn’t have to focus on any area he/she doesn’t need. However, it is always better to let the professionals decide the best treatment for you.

Dr. Adatrow will give local anesthesia to keep you from experiencing any pain. However, after the anesthetic wears off, you might experience some pain or discomfort, which can be managed by taking over the counter analgesics or painkillers.

Gum depigmentation is a straightforward, easy, and painless treatment. The laser detects the dark pigment and extracts the gum’s dark layer from the gum’s surface up to the desired hue. The depigmentation of gum may be achieved on a small spot or a whole gum surface. This treatment leaves our patients with luminous gums and a bright smile, requiring little-to-no recovery.

It varies from patient to patient because the extent of discoloration might be different from individual to individual.

Home remedies might not work for everyone, and they are not scientifically prover. However, there is no harm in trying. So, a few of the home remedies you can try are –

• Eucalyptus oil: This has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Few people believe that the application of this oil on the gums can reduce the gums’ pigmentation.
• Clove: Clove also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Massaging the leaf of the clove on the gums has been proposed to reduce the pigmentation.
• Sesame oil: Sesame oil can stop accumulating plaque and tartar and draw out the toxins. It has been rumored that swishing a little sesame oil in the mouth after brushing can be beneficial.

We at Advanced Dental & TMJ Center thrive for providing world-class care to our patients. We make sure that all our patients are comfortable and satisfied with their treatment. Dr. Adatrow is passionate about providing personalized care. He spends time with the patients, understands his patient’s condition, and recommends the best possible treatment. He has intensively trained in the University of Tennessee and Indiana University hospitals to treat gum diseases, place implants, and administer sedation to his patients. He is the only practicing board-certified periodontist and prosthodontist in the southern United States. He has experience of more than 17 years.