Gum depigmentation

Gum depigmentation (aka gum bleaching) is a procedure used in cosmetic dentistry to remove black spots or patches on the gums caused by excessive melanin.

The normal color of the gum tissue (gingiva) is pink, but excess deposits of melanin (melanin gingival hyperpigmentation) can create what seem to be black spots or patches on the gums, creating an aesthetic or cosmetic problem. Discolouration may also be caused by long term use of certain medications.

A clinical assessment is carried out to customize the treatment to the patients needs, and the procedure itself can involve surgical, chemical, or laser ablation techniques.

References

*cite journal | last = Azzeh |first = Manal M. | title =Treatment of Gingival Hyperpigmentation by Erbium-Doped:Yttrium, Aluminum, and Garnet Laser for Esthetic Purposes
journal = Journal of Periodontology | volume = 78 | issue = 1 | pages = 177-184 | date= January 2007
*cite journal | last = Farnoosh |first = Dr. Alex | title =Treatment of gingival pigmentation and discoloration for esthetic purposes
journal = "International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry | volume = 1990 | issue = 10 | pages = 312-319 | date= 1990