Is Gum Depigmentation Safe?
Gum depigmentation is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to eliminate or reduce hyperpigmentation in the gums. Uneven gum coloration can be caused by various things, such as genetic predisposition, certain medications, tobacco usage, or conditions like periodontal disease. This discoloration can lead to feelings of self-consciousness, which can make people feel reluctant to smile. Fortunately, gum depigmentation has become an increasingly common option to improve one’s aesthetic appeal of the gums.
While many people consider this treatment to improve the aesthetic appearance of their smile, it is important to be aware of the steps involved in this minimally invasive procedure. While there are very few risks involved in having gum depigmentation performed, having a clear understanding of the process, risks involved, and recovery process are essential to help you determine whether gum depigmentation is right for you.
Safety of Gum Depigmentation Procedures
When performed by a qualified professional, gum depigmentation is generally a safe procedure with minimal procedural risks. Several methods are available for gum depigmentation, including laser therapy, surgical excision, and chemical treatments, each with specific safety guidelines.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is an increasingly popular option for patients wanting gum depigmentation, as it is minimally invasive and precise in targeting pigmented tissue. This process involves a laser selectively removing melanin from the gums while preserving the healthy surrounding areas.
Surgical Removal
Surgical gum depigmentation involves surgically excising the pigmented gum tissue. This method has more risks than laser techniques, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring, but procedural risks are minimal, and post-operative pain is typically manageable. To ensure your safety and improve your chances of a positive outcome, be sure to seek treatment from a certified oral surgeon or periodontist.
Chemical Depigmentation
Chemical depigmentation involves using chemicals to decrease melanin. This method can also be effective, but the chemicals used may trigger irritations, resulting in post-procedural pain and discomfort and a slightly longer healing period.
Potential Side Effects
While gum depigmentation is a very safe procedure, you may experience some side effects, the most common of which include the following:
- Post-Procedural Pain and Discomfort: Some pain or discomfort is normal after a gum depigmentation procedure and may present as soreness in the gums, discomfort while eating, or sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. In most cases, this discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and typically subsides within a few days..
- Swelling and Inflammation: Swelling and inflammation are common side effects following gum depigmentation. The extent of swelling is usually determined by the technique that was used for your gum depigmentation procedure. Be sure to follow post-procedure care instructions provided to minimize these effects.
- Risk of Infection: Any surgical intervention, including gum depigmentation, comes with the risk of infection. To help reduce your risk of developing an infection, your periodontist may prescribe antibiotics.
- Scarring: In cases where gum tissue is surgically removed, there is a risk of scarring. Chemical and laser treatments generally pose a lower risk of scarring but may still leave behind some discoloration in rare cases.
- Color Recurrence: While gum depigmentation is intended to provide a long-lasting effect, pigmentation may possibly return over time. Factors contributing to this include individual healing responses and lifestyle choices such as tobacco use or poor oral hygiene.
To help avoid developing any of these complications and ensure a speedy recovery process, follow after care instructions and continue maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home.
To learn more, reach out to your dentist.