Gingival depigmentation

It is a darker gum colour beyond what is normally expected.

The ideal colour of normal gingiva is pink. The colour of normal gingiva varies due to intensity of melanin pigmentation in the gums.

Most of the cases of gingival pigmentation is normal (melanin pigment). In some cases like amalgam tattoo, the pigmentation would be because of amalgam restoration seeping in to the gums.

Yes, it can be done by a process called gingival depigmentation. The colour of gingiva also depends on the facial complexion. Consult a dentist to determine if you need the depigmentation procedure.

It is a periodontal plastic surgical procedure whereby the gingival hyperpigmentation is removed or reduced by various techniques.

If you have a normal smile where your gums are not seen when you are smiling, then it would not be necessary. If you have a gummy smile then depigmentation procedure would be necessary.

Various techniques are available. Some include :

. Conventional surgical method

. Electrosurgery

. Lasers

. Cryosurgery

Normally all minor surgical procedures will be done under local anaesthesia and there won’t be pain during the treatment. Some patients may experience slight discomfort after surgical depigmentation, which will recede in 2 to 3 days.

Both the treatments are equally effective. But, in lasers you experience bloodless field and less postoperative discomfort.

It can occur in some cases. Re-pigmentation depends on the technique used for depigmentation. Cryosurgery followed by lasers has been reported to be superior techniques with low rate of recurrence.