LASER GUM DEPIGMENTATION FAQ

Is there a solution to lightening the color of my gums?

Yes, there is! Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry offers a quick and easy means to instantly lighter gums. This laser-based treatment called Revelase, or Laser Gum Depigmentation, is a procedure that uses a laser to lighten the gums’ current pigmentation.

What is Laser Gum Depigmentation?

Laser Gum Depigmentation is a procedure that serves to painlessly and effectively treat the dark spots/areas of the gums with a laser. This procedure lightens the gums for astounding and pronounced results, while requiring very little recovery time.

Are “dark gums” unhealthy?

No, dark gums do not necessarily signify poor health. Properly known as gingival hyper-pigmentation, dark gums are simply the result of excess melanin in the gum tissue’s surface layer. Dark gums are more common for people with naturally darker skin color, though people with lighter skin tones could also have dark patches/areas on the gums.

For instance, cigarette smoking can increase the production of melanin in some cases. Therefore, smoking can cause dark patches/areas to appear on the gums, and can be reversed by quitting smoking.

How does Laser Gum Depigmentation work?

Essentially, the laser light is absorbed by the melanin (dark pigment) in the skin, heating the cells until they are damaged. The damaged cells get removed naturally by the body, leaving the patient with the color that lies beneath the dark pigment. They are left with fresh, pink, healthy looking gums and a brighter smile!

Can I get Laser Gum Depigmentation done on just a spot/section of my gums?

Yes, you can! At Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, we are able to treat any spot and/or area that needs to be lightened. The patient does not need to get any area worked on that he/she does not find necessary.

Do I have to get Laser Gum Depigmentation done on both my upper and lower gums?

No, you do not. The areas that receive treatment are completely up to the patient, with the guidance of our expertise. We give our patients recommendations based upon what will be the most aesthetically pleasing. For example, if both the upper and lower gums show when the patient smiles, we would recommend treating both the top and bottom gums. The reason for this is to ensure both the top and bottom gums are the same shade.

If only the top gums are present when the patient smiles, treatment of both the upper and lower gums is not completely necessary. This decision is up to the patient.

I have sensitive gums. Can I still have the Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure done?

We suggest that you come in for a consultation. At the consultation, our team of expert doctors will evaluate your gums accordingly to ensure that Laser Gum Depigmentation is right for you.

How long does the Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure take?

The duration of the procedure is specific to each patient. For example, a patient who is getting treatment on a single spot will undergo a quicker procedure than a patient who is receiving treatment on both their top and bottom gums.

How many visits does Laser Gum Depigmentation require?

Depending on the patient, more than one visit is sometimes necessary to reach the desired shade. If a patient has extremely dark gums, it may take a second visit to get the gums to the pink color.

Will the pigmentation come back?

Yes, it is possible for the pigmentation to come back. In this case, we welcome all patients to come in for re-treatment.

Is Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure painful?

Laser Gum Depigmentation is completely painless.

Do I need to be numbed for this procedure?

Yes. The painlessness of the procedure is because of the numbing each patient receives prior to the laser.

What is the recovery time for Laser Gum Depigmentation?

Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the procedure. We will just remind the patients to gently and cautiously approach their gums immediately after the procedure, especially when they eat, brush their teeth, etc.

What is the benefit of Laser Gum Depigmentation?

The benefits of Laser Gum Depigmentation include the painlessness of the procedure, the quick post-operative recovery, and the cosmetic advantages. This procedure allows the patients to reach their level of personal aesthetic desire when it comes to their smile and the color of their gums.

How much does the Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure cost?

Price will vary depending largely on the patient and their specific treatment. Treatment planners will discuss cost with the patient once the areas requiring treatment are determined.

How do I know if I am a candidate for Laser Gum Depigmentation?

Almost every patient is a candidate for Laser Gum Depigmentation. Upon the consultation visit, our team of experts will consult the patient on everything they need to know regarding their Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure.

Are there any complications associated with Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure?

No, there are no known complications regarding the Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure.

I take daily medication. Do medications interfere with getting Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure in any way?

It is important to thoroughly discuss your medical information, along with list of medications, with one of our doctors upon consultation visit. They will advise you on the right thing to do.

I am on antibiotic. Do I have to wait to get Laser Gum Depigmentation done?

It is important to thoroughly discuss your medical information, along with list of medications, with one of our doctors upon consultation visit. They will advise you on the right thing to do.

What are the post-surgical instructions for Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure?

Ask your treatment plan coordinator or dentist. They will be happy to provide you with detailed post-surgical instructions for the Laser Gum Depigmentation Procedure.

What is the success rate of Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure?

This procedure is always successful in lightening the patient’s gums to the desired shade. It is not uncommon for the patient to come in more than once for Laser Gum Depigmentation in order to reach the shade that they consider to be successful.

Is there a solution to lightening the color of my gums?

Yes, there is! Advanced Periodontics & Implant Dentistry offers a quick and easy means to instantly lighter gums. This laser-based treatment called Revelase, or Laser Gum Depigmentation, is a procedure that uses a laser to lighten the gums’ current pigmentation.

Are dark gums unhealthy?

No, dark gums do not necessarily signify poor health. Properly known as gingival hyper-pigmentation, dark gums are simply the result of excess melanin in the gum tissue’s surface layer. Dark gums are more common for people with naturally darker skin color, though people with lighter skin tones could also have dark patches/areas on the gums.
For instance, cigarette smoking can increase the production of melanin in some cases. Therefore, smoking can cause dark patches/areas to appear on the gums, and can be reversed by quitting smoking.

How does laser gum depigmentation work?

Essentially, the laser light is absorbed by the melanin (dark pigment) in the skin, heating the cells until they are damaged. The damaged cells get removed naturally by the body, leaving the patient with the color that lies beneath the dark pigment. They are left with fresh, pink, healthy looking gums and a brighter smile!

How many visits does Laser Gum Depigmentation require?

Depending on the patient, more than one visit is sometimes necessary to reach the desired shade. If a patient has extremely dark gums, it may take a second visit to get the gums to the pink color.