Side Effects of Gum Depigmentation
When most people think of a healthy smile, the first things that come to mind are straight white teeth and pink gums. For some people however, their gum tissues have dark patches or spots. This gum pigmentation is usually caused by genetics. Gum tissue is like skin, hair, and nails in that the color is usually determined by the amount of melanin present in the tissue. Although dark gums usually don’t pose a medical issue, the appearance of dark, patchy spots on the gums can cause a lack of confidence in a person’s smile. For people who have dark gums, there is a cosmetic procedure that dentists can perform called gum depigmentation. If you think you may be a candidate for gum depigmentation, read on to learn about the procedure and any potential side effects that it might cause.
What is gum depigmentation?
The most common type of gum depigmentation is laser treatment. This treatment is usually performed in a dentist’s office on an outpatient basis. It is quick and accurate. For the procedure, the dentist will use a laser to target dark pigmented areas of the gums to remove the dark pigments. This allows for layers of tissue underneath to come through, which usually are pinker in color. The procedure itself is minimally invasive and causes relatively little discomfort. It also has a quick recovery time.
Are there side effects to gum depigmentation?
While laser depigmentation is generally safe, there are potential side effects, like any medical treatment. Here are a few of the side effects that may occur because of the treatment.
- Swelling is a common side effect following the treatment. The gums are delicate tissues that can react to the treatment, causing mild to moderate swelling after the procedure. This typically occurs in the treated areas, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours. Swelling usually resolves on its own and can be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Discomfort of mild pain is also a common side effect. Although laser gum depigmentation is a minimally invasive procedure, some discomfort or mild pain is normal after the treatment. The laser may cause mild irritation to the gums, leading to some soreness during the healing process. This discomfort is typically temporary and should subside within a few days after the procedure.
- Similarly, gum sensitivity is common following the procedure. This is especially true when being exposed to hot or cold temperatures. The treatment targets the pigmentation in the gum tissue, which can make the area temporarily sensitive. This sensitivity usually goes away as the gums heal, which can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Other less common side effects include risk of infection, temporary color variations, temporary uneven gum lines, and in very rare cases, gum recession. These side effects are not very common but have occurred in some people because of gum depigmentation.
What does this mean for me?
If you are considering gum depigmentation and are concerned about potential side effects, speak with your dentist today. They will be able to analyze your specific circumstances and health issues and advise you on what you can expect including potential side effects.