Is Gum Depigmentation Safe?
Millions of people all around the world dislike their smile for various reasons. One common reason is the color of their gums. Just like skin and hair, gum tissue pigmentation can vary from person to person based on the amount of melanin present in the tissue. In some cases, this pigmentation can cause dark spots and patches in the gum tissue. When this occurs, the person often has self-conscious feelings about their smile because their gums do not fit the mold of healthy, pink gums. Although dark gums do not pose a medical issue in most cases, the lack of confidence can have impacts on the person. For many of these people, there is a solution, gum depigmentation. If you are considering this as a solution for you, you may be wondering about the procedure and if it is safe to do. Read on to learn more.
What is gum depigmentation?
Gum depigmentation is most commonly an outpatient, laser treatment procedure. For the procedure, the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area and then a laser to remove the areas with dark pigmentation. This ultimately allows for the tissue underneath to come to the surface. This new tissue is usually pink, which can even out the colors in a person’s smile.
There are numerous benefits to this procedure. It is fast and effective. Patients who receive laser gum depigmentation see results almost immediately. It is precise and minimally invasive. It also has a small recovery time in most cases.
Is gum depigmentation safe?
While the process sounds relatively simple, patients understandably have concerns about its safety. Fortunately, when done correctly, gum depigmentation is a safe and effective treatment. However, it is important to understand that there are some risks involved, like any medical procedure. These risks are typically minimal when the procedure is performed by an experienced professional, however.
There are a few common side effects that patients can expect after the gum depigmentation procedure.
- The most common side effect is swelling in the area where the treatment is performed. Bruising may also occur, especially if the gums are sensitive. These side effects typically subside within a few days.
- Another common side effect is mild pain or sensitivity in the area treated. This is a normal part of the healing process, and it usually goes away within a few days to a week after the procedure.
- In rare cases, there is an increased risk of infection following the procedure. This risk is minimal with laser treatment due to its sterilizing effect, but if proper aftercare is not followed, there could be complications.
How can you minimize the risk?
There are several things that you can do to ensure a safe procedure and minimize the risks associated with it. Most importantly, you should pick a highly qualified individual. This individual should be trained and be able to offer consultation services before the procedure where safety and recovery is addressed. Following the procedure, it is important to follow the dentist’s aftercare guidelines to ensure the tissues heal correctly.
If you do these things, gum depigmentation is a safe and effective procedure that can bring confidence back to your smile.
To learn more, reach out today.