Cosmetically Treating Dark Gums

Cosmetic dentistry often focuses on issues with the aesthetics of your teeth. But what about the look of your gums? Dr. Brenda Paulen of Proud Smiles, a cosmetic dentist in Sandy Springs, GA, discusses the offering of gum bleaching at our dental office.cosmetic dentist in sandy springs, georgia

What Causes Dark Gums?

The technical term for dark gums is gingival hyperpigmentation. It’s a large amount of melanin that’s apparent in the tissue of your gums. While it’s more likely to occur in patients with darker skin, anyone can have this condition. While there aren’t any health risks, people can be off-put by the look of darker gums. They usually occur naturally, but certain medications, smoking, and other factors can make gingival hyperpigmentation more likely.

The Process of Gum Bleaching

As with any cosmetic procedure, Dr. Paulen will first have a cosmetic consultation with you. We’ll talk to you about your cosmetic goals and will go over your oral health to see if gum bleaching is right for you. If you have advanced stages of gum disease, this infection may need to be taken care of before the bleaching takes place.

Once you’re moving forward with the procedure, Dr. Paulen will apply a local anesthetic to your gums. Laser dentistry is used to slowly and evenly lighten your darker, visible gums to your ideal shade. While the procedure is mainly painless, you may have some sensitivity after the procedure. Over the counter medications and ointments can help.

What are the Benefits of Gum Bleaching?

You can usually get lighter gums after just one visit. Many times only one treatment is needed for ideal results. Unlike older techniques, this doesn’t require surgery and more extreme discomfort. There are no scalpels or stitches needed because there isn’t any actual cutting. Many patients can go back to work right after their procedure.

The dental diode laser that’s used is designed to be safe for any procedures involving the soft tissues in your mouth. Laser dentistry has the added benefit of helping to disinfect and heal the gums as the treatment is being performed. It’s less likely for you to get infections from the procedure and you have less downtime after the procedure.

Gum Bleaching at Your Cosmetic Dentist in Sandy Springs, Georgia

Gum bleaching is one of the multiple cosmetic offerings we have at our office. We’re ready to help give you a full cosmetic dentistry makeover with both your teeth and your gums. Your smile can be white and even, aesthetically pleasing, and ready to show off! Call us or schedule an appointment online for a cosmetic consultation.