Definition and Causes of Gum Depigmentation
- Gum depigmentation, also known as gum bleaching, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure.
- It is used to lighten or remove black spots or patches on the gums caused by melanin.
- Melanin pigmentation is common in many parts of the world due to genetic factors.
- Melanin pigmentation in the gums and oral mucosa can also be caused by tobacco smoking or certain medications.
- If lifestyle changes or medication adjustments do not solve the issue, a surgical operation may be necessary.
Laser Gum Depigmentation
- Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin and reside in the basal layer of the gingival epithelium.
- Genetic factors and tobacco smoking (Smokers melanosis) are common causes of melanin pigmentation.
- Stopping smoking is the most effective way to get rid of melanin pigmentation in smokers.
- Dental lasers can target and ablate melanocytes, reducing melanin production in the gingival tissue.
- Laser depigmentation results in a lighter and more uniform color of the gums, with no signs of re-pigmentation.
Tooth Whitening (Related Topic)
- Tooth whitening is another cosmetic dentistry procedure.
- It is used to lighten the color of teeth that have become discolored or stained.
- Different methods of tooth whitening include bleaching gels, whitening toothpaste, and professional treatments.
- Tooth whitening can enhance the overall appearance of the smile.
- It is important to consult a dentist before undergoing any tooth whitening procedure.
References
- Lin, YH et al. conducted a systematic review of treatment modalities for gingival depigmentation.
- Hedin CA's thesis focused on Smokers Melanosis, an oral melanin pigmentation caused by tobacco.
- Another study by Hedin CA, Pindborg JJ, and Axéll T observed depigmentation after smoking cessation.
- Seker, Basak Kusakci's study evaluated the treatment of gingival melanin hyperpigmentation with Er,Cr:YSGG laser.
- These references provide scientific evidence and research on gum depigmentation procedures.
Additional Information
- Gum depigmentation falls under the category of dentistry procedures and periodontology.
- This article is considered a stub, meaning it is a short or incomplete piece of information.
- Additional references are needed to verify the content of this article.
- The article contains unsourced statements that should be supported by reliable sources.
- The article can be found on Wikipedia for further reading and expansion.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (September 2016) |
Gum depigmentation, also known as gum bleaching, is a procedure used in cosmetic dentistry to lighten or remove black spots or patches on the gums consisting of melanin. Melanin in skin is very common in inhabitants in many parts of the world due to genetic factors. Melanin pigmentation in skin, oral mucosa, inner ear and other organs is a detoxification mechanism.[citation needed] Some toxic agents bind to melanin and will move out of the tissue with the ageing cells and are expelled to the tissue surfaces. Also in the gums and oral mucosa a visible pigmentation is most often caused by genetic factors, but also by tobacco smoking[citation needed] or in a few cases by long-term use of certain medications. If stopping smoking or change of medication do not solve the problem with a disfigurating melanin pigmentation, a surgical operation may be performed. The procedure itself can involve laser ablation techniques.
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