Gum Depigmentation
It's time your gums matched the brilliance of your smile
Gum Depigmentation
Dark gums are a common concern for many people, but they're not a sign of poor health. The most common cause is simply genetics, with an overproduction of melanin that can lead to dark brown or black spots. This is more common in some racial groups, including people with African or Middle Eastern ancestry.
While harmless, some people choose gum depigmentation, also called gum bleaching, to make their teeth look more even. This cosmetic dental procedure can also fix discoloration from other causes, such as smoking, certain medications, or amalgam fillings.
The recovery period is usually very fast. You can usually start eating and speaking again right away. Any minor discomfort is manageable. It takes about two weeks to fully heal.
The results of gum depigmentation last a long time. They can last for 20 years or even a lifetime. But if smoking is the reason for the discoloration, it's important to quit smoking to prevent the discoloration from coming back.

Understanding the Procedure

Before any treatment, a dentist at a Saphire Dent clinic will perform a dental check-up to ensure your gums are healthy. This is an important step because the procedure is not right for people with gum disease, big tooth roots, or those taking blood thinners.
The treatment itself is straightforward and quick, usually taking between 20 and 45 minutes. A local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable.Here are the two main methods:
- Laser Treatment:A special laser removes a thin top layer of the dark-colored gum tissue. This destroys the cells that produce melanin.
- Microdermabrasion:We use a rotating tool with a diamond tip. This tool carefully removes the outer layer of colored skin cells.