Does Gum Bleaching Work?
Do you dislike your smile because your gums appear dark? Do you avoid a natural, healthy smile because of some visible areas of hyperpigmentation? Your teeth might be healthy, white, and straight, but discoloration of your gums can detract from your smile and reduce your confidence and self-esteem.
There is a simple procedure that can eliminate your dark gums. Laser gum bleaching is one of our most requested cosmetic procedures because it is quick, safe, and provides successful and highly predictable results.
What Causes Darkened Gums?
Dark gums, or gingival hyperpigmentation, are not necessarily indicative of a health problem. In most cases, discoloration is just a concern for aesthetic purposes. Most people seek this treatment because they are embarrassed by the visual appearance of their gums. How do gums become discolored? Red, darkened, or splotchy gums can have several causes:
* Poor oral hygiene: If you do not take proper care of your teeth and gums, you may notice that your gums are becoming red or inflamed. You even risk permanent discoloration if you develop an infection that is severe or causes scarring.
* Medications: Some prescribed medications will affect the gum tissue and create differences in pigmentation. If you continue to take the medication that caused the issue, you will have to repeat any laser gum bleaching treatments.
* Ethnicity: Genetics and ethnicity also contribute to the likelihood of the development of discolored gum tissue. Larger amounts of melanin are more prone to darker gums.
* Lifestyle and habits: Tobacco use is another factor that will lead to gum discoloration. If you pursue treatment to lighten your gums but continue to use tobacco, the problem is likely to reoccur.
Some causes of dark gums are outside of your control. However, your habits and your choices can have a significant impact on your oral health. Developing and maintaining a good dental care routine along with a healthy lifestyle will make a positive difference.
How Does Laser Gum Bleaching Work?
Laser gum bleaching is effective because laser light energy is attracted to colors. This unique property is why lasers are frequently used to remove tattoos. Dental lasers are gentle and highly effective. This technique has been proven to be very safe and far less invasive than surgical methods to correct dark gums.
If you choose laser gum bleaching, you can expect to see immediate results and enjoy a speedy recovery. The results are long-lasting if you take proper care of your teeth and gums.
Before your procedure, your dentist will conduct an exam to determine if you are a viable candidate. They will look for signs of infection, thinning gums, and other health concerns that will need correcting before your treatment. If your gums are healthy you can proceed.
To begin the treatment, your dentist will administer a topical anesthetic for your comfort. You can discuss other sedation options if you are uncomfortable. Your dentist understands that a visit to the dentist can cause anxiety. Ask questions to determine your anxiety. They will provide what is necessary to lessen your stress so you can relax during the procedure.
Once the anesthetic is working, your dentist will use a laser tool to gently eliminate the darkened brown or black patches to create even, healthy pink gums. The entire process usually takes from 30 minutes to two hours. You should be able to return to your normal routine directly after your procedure.