The Benefits of Gum Depigmentation

Having dark gums or other dental flaws can make you self-conscious of your smile. It can often decrease confidence and self-esteem. However, there is a solution. In order to combat dark gums, gum or gingival depigmentation is a cosmetic dentistry procedure used to remove dark spots on the gums caused by abnormally high amounts of melanin. Typically the tissues are healthy but the appearance may bother some patients. In this instance, gum depigmentation may be a viable option for those desiring lighter gums. Dr. Alexandre Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky, Los Angeles periodontists, perform gum depigmentation via surgery in order to restore healthy and beautiful smiles to their patients. But how do you know if your gums are discolored?

The Color Basics

The normal color of gum tissue is pink. However, due to high concentrations of melanin, gums can appear to have dark spots or black patches. Dark gum pigmentation can be caused by a variety of factors but genetics is the primary culprit for the discoloration. Your genetics affects your melanin pigmentation, the physiological factor that determines both the color of your gums and your skin. Dark gum pigmentation most frequently occurs in people who have dark skin tones.

You may come across several different techniques used in treating dark gums ranging from bleaching to laser, but surgical intervention provides many advantages.

The Surgical Advantage

Gum depigmentation surgery consists of a microdermabrasion technique to remove the pigmented area and reveal the healthy, lighter-colored gum tissue beneath. Depending on the patient, either local anesthetic or a combination of local and IV sedation may be used. Overall, this method offers tangible benefits that you may not find with bleaching or chemical solutions, such as a:

• Higher level of accuracy in controlling the removal of gum pigmentation.
• Permanent solution because the method removes the structures that cause the overproduction of melanin.
• Quick, one-visit procedure that takes 30 – 60 minutes to complete.
• Very high rate of success.
• Greater outcome (lighter looking and more attractive gums) as compared to other methods.

With minimal pain and sensitivity, which can be easily treated with over-the-counter pain medication, you can have a smile that makes you feel confident and self-assured. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky offer the latest in minimally invasive and pain-free techniques to ensure an optimal patient experience.

About the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal & Implant Therapy

The only two board-certified periodontists in Brentwood, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky believe that all patients deserve to have healthy, attractive-looking teeth and gums. Not only do they use the latest technology to treat your gums, but they also offer gentle, affordable, pain-free periodontal care and an effective procedure for gum depigmentation.

For more information on gum depigmentation or to schedule a consultation, contact Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky at (310) 826-8242.

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