Depigmentation of Gums
DEPIGMENTATION
Gum health and appearance are important components for an attractive smile, and the removal of unsightly pigmented gum is needed for a confident smile. Melanin, carotene, reduced hemoglobin, and oxy-hemoglobin are pigments that lead to gum color and induce hyperpigmentation, which can be treated with gum depigmentation.
CAUSES OF GUM PIGMENTATION
The excessive accumulation of melanin in the superficial layer of gums induces gums hyperpigmentation. Melanin is a pigment found in the skin that gives it its colour. Gum pigmentation may appear as a diffuse dark purplish discoloration or as irregularly coloured brown, light brown, or black spots.
- Physiologic factors (e.g. ethnic pigmentation)
- Pathologic factors are as follows-
- Heavy metals: e.g. lead, bismuth, mercury, silver, arsenic, and gold
- Kaposi’s sarcoma
- Hemangioma
- Smoking associated melanosis
- Haemochromatosis
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Drug induced
Melanin pigmentation has been linked to drugs like minocycline, zidovudine, chlorpromazine, ketoconazole, bleomycin, and cyclophosphamide.
BEFORE
OPERATIVE ( LASER)
AFTER
TREATMENT
Pigmentation of black gums can be cured by eliminating the hyperpigmented gums superficial layer, resulting in aesthetically appealing pink gums. Scalpels, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, or lasers can all be used to treat gum hyperpigmentation. Depigmentation treatment results in aesthetic gums that provide a pleasant smile.