Code Pink: Facts About Gum Depigmentation Surgery

When thinking about dark spots, moles, freckles, and general over-pigmentation caused by an excess of melanin production, it is typically the shoulders, hands, or bridge of the nose that come to mind. But over-pigmentation can also affect the gums, causing discoloration and dark spots that can lead to the condition more commonly known as “black gums.”

What are Black Gums?

Healthy gingival (gum) tissue is generally light pink in color. Just as with the skin, some people experience excessive amounts of melanin production that cause the gums to darken significantly and appear black or dark brown. While not a direct threat to a person’s oral health, gum pigmentation is a cosmetic condition that can cause embarrassment, anxiety, and overall emotional distress for a patient, depending on his or her unique circumstances and the severity of the condition.

Some of the most common causes of black gums include:

• Smoking
• Genetics
• Poor oral hygiene
• Side effects from certain medications
• Darker skin colors

Treating Black Gums with Gum Depigmentation

While there are several treatment options for patients with darkened or black gums, many of the procedures, such as gum bleaching, tend to address the symptoms, and therefore only offer temporary relief of the condition.

At the Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy in Brentwood, board-certified periodontists Dr. Alexandre Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky offer the modern and highly effective cosmetic gum treatment known as gum depigmentation. The procedure is a microdermabrasion technique that gently removes the layer of darker gum tissue, exposing the lighter pink tissue below the surface. The procedure has a fairly high rate of success, and patients can expect more uniform and lighter colored gums.

Contact an Expert in Cosmetic Gum Surgery Today!

The appearance of your smile can have an overwhelming impact on your confidence and overall quality of life. Board certified periodontists in Brentwood Dr. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky offer affordable, modern procedures for gum depigmentation and oral health. Call the Center for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy today at (310) 826-8242 to schedule an appointment.

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