FAQs on Gum Depigmentation
Gingival hyperpigmentation, or gingival pigmentation, are those brown or black splotches that sometimes occur naturally on gum tissue.
Gum depigmentation is a procedure used in cosmetic dentistry to lighten or remove black spots or patches on the gums consisting of melanin.
Causes of Gum Pigmentation
- It could be normal excess of melanin synthesis in the oral mucosa
- Smoking, tobacco consumption
- Genetic factor
- Certain diseases (eg. Albright’s syndrome, Addison’s disease etc)
- Long term use of certain medications
FAQs on Gum Depigmentation
- How much time is required for the procedure?
- 45 to 60 mins for one arch
- Follow up after 1 week, 2 weeks
- How many days does it take for healing?
- Normally 2-3 weeks (also depends on degree on pigmentation)
- Is the treatment painful?
- The procedure is done under local anesthesia and is painless
- A periodontal pack is given which helps to alleviate any burning sensation
- How much depigmentation should I do?
- It depends on how far the smile goes and how much gums are visible during smiling
- Does the pigmentation reoccur?
- As melanin occurs naturally in the body, so there are chances of repigmentation
- However recurrence is different for different individuals, depending on the degree of pigmentation and habits too
- Can retreatment be done?
- Yes, incase of recurrence a retreatment can always be done