Laser Gum Depigmentation Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Laser Gum Depigmentation Washington DC & Alexandria VA
Patients who have an excess of melanin on the surface of their gums may have gums that appear to be splotchy or spotted, which is a condition called gingival hyper-pigmentation. Although gingival hyper-pigmentation is not an indication of any underlying health conditions, it can be a source of some embarrassment and cause individuals to be self-conscious about their smile. Having high self-confidence plays a critical role in an individual’s sense of happiness, and can have a significant impact on their personal and professional lives. If you feel self-conscious about the aesthetic appearance of your gums, you may be a good candidate for laser gum depigmentation and bleaching.
Laser gum depigmentation and bleaching is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure designed to remove black or brown patches that on your gum tissue in an efficient and pain-free manner. At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty trained periodontists Dr. Justin Zalewsky and Dr. Antara Daru have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about laser gum depigmentation, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment for a procedure, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.
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Your Laser Gum Depigmentation and Bleaching Procedure
The first step of your laser gum depigmentation and bleaching procedure will be an initial examination to determine if your gums are healthy enough to have this procedure performed. Patients who have advanced periodontitis (gum disease) will need to first address any infections or underlying health issues prior to bleaching.
If it is determined that you are a viable candidate, the procedure will begin with administration of a local anesthetic to numb your gums. Once properly numbed, your periodontist will use a powerful laser to target the cells within the tissue that contain the melanin through bursts of light. Once the areas that have been treated begin to heal, the new tissue will be the healthy, pink color you have been wanting.
This procedure typically takes between one to two hours to complete and will not require the use of any sutures. Some patients may need to schedule multiple appointments to achieve the exact look they are going for, but oftentimes results are permanent and do not require a follow-up procedure.
Benefits of Laser Gum Depigmentation
Laser gum depigmentation has become an increasingly popular treatment option among patients due to its efficacy, safety, and the fact that it is much less invasive than procedures involving scalpels. Additional benefits to having laser gum depigmentation include the following:
- Improved aesthetic appearance of lighter, more uniform color
- Fast results
- No stiches or use of scalpels
- Recovery time is almost immediate
- Safe
- Improved appearance will increase confidence and sense of self-wroth
Laser Gum Depigmentation Aftercare
There is very little aftercare associated with laser gum depigmentation. Patients can typically return to school or work and continue eating and drinking the same foods and beverages they normally would immediately following the procedure. Because sedation is typically not required, patients will also be able to drive themselves home after the procedure is complete. Patients who have sensitive gums may experience mild discomfort or tenderness, but this is very rare and can typically be alleviated with over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Once you have completed the recovery process, it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, but it is important to continue practicing good daily oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come.