Periodontics
Even, healthy-looking gums with precision laser treatment.
Periodontics
Gingival hyperpigmentation occurs when higher levels of melanin on the surface of the gums cause them to appear darker, splotchy, or spotted. While this condition is not typically a sign of an underlying health concern, some patients may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their gums when they smile.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of dark or uneven gum pigmentation, you may be a good candidate for laser gum depigmentation.
Laser gum depigmentation and bleaching is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure designed to remove black or brown patches from your gum tissue in an efficient and pain-free manner. At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists our specialty-trained periodontists 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.
The Procedure
Here's what your laser gum depigmentation treatment looks like, step by step.
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 the 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 and 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.
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 of having laser gum depigmentation include the following:
Recovery & 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. 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.
Frequently Asked
The cost of gum depigmentation can vary widely depending on location, technique, how much gum tissue needs treatment, and whether one or both arches are involved. In general, it will cost from $500-$2000 per dental arch (top and/or bottom gums). As this is often done as a cosmetic procedure, it is generally not covered by most insurances, but check with your carrier based on your case. You can also work with your dental office to find out about financing and payment options. There are many benefits to gum depigmentation, which you must consider when deciding if this is a good procedure for you. Contact us today, and we can walk you through the procedure and talk about the costs associated with it.
Gum depigmentation is a procedure that removes dark spots (usually caused by melanin) present on the gums, restoring their pinkish tone in a safe, quick, and minimally invasive way. It is indicated for patients who have: In addition to its aesthetic benefits, gum depigmentation also contributes to overall oral health, allowing patients to better observe the condition of their gums and maintain more efficient hygiene. The gum depigmentation procedure is performed in a dental office and generally follows several steps to ensure effectiveness and patient comfort. Here is a step-by-step guide on how the procedure is performed: The gum depigmentation procedure is generally quick and non-invasive, providing effective results for gum health and smile aesthetics. Gum depigmentation is considered safe when performed by a qualified professional, as it is a minimally invasive procedure that removes dark pigments to restore the natural pink color of the gums. The risks are minimal if post-operative hygiene is followed, and may include temporary bleeding or swelling. Is gum depigmentation safe covers the safety profile in more detail, what gum depigmentation is explains how the procedure works, and the side effects of gum depigmentation sets expectations for the days afterward.
Do you know what gum depigmentation is? Gum depigmentation is a dental procedure that lightens dark spots or patches on the gums caused by excess melanin. Using a laser or surgical technique, the top pigmented layer is removed to create a lighter, more uniform pink appearance for aesthetic improvement. The purpose of gum depigmentation is to remove stains and lighten the gum area by removing cells that cause this oral tissue to darken over the years. After the cosmetic procedure, the gum tissue takes less than a week to form a new layer of gum tissue in a pinkish color, resulting in a more harmonious smile. The gum depigmentation process has relatively simple and quick steps, beginning with local anesthesia. Then, the dentist performs a superficial exfoliation of the gums, removing the cells that cause the brown pigmentation of the tissue.
Cost & Payment
The cost of laser gum depigmentation will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and how many rounds of treatment you require. Because laser gum depigmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure, there is a chance that your insurance provider will not cover the costs. Our staff will be happy to help you determine what, if any, coverage you may or may not have.
At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.
For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.
For your convenience, we accept:
Where We Practice
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Contact us with any questions or to schedule a consultation at our Washington DC, Alexandria, or Reston office. We look forward to welcoming you.
