Gum Depigmentation
We offer treatment to remove melanin pigment from the gums and restore their naturally healthy pink color.
- You’ve whitened your teeth, but dark gums are holding you back from smiling with confidence
- You’d like to improve gum discoloration caused by smoking or metal restorations
Please talk to us first.
Gum depigmentation is a treatment that uses a special agent to remove melanin pigment deposited in the gums and restore their original pink color. Even when teeth whitening makes your teeth white, dark gums can still make your whole smile look dull. A clean, fresh impression comes from teeth and gums that match in color. 高田馬場歯科・矯正歯科 offers full-mouth gum depigmentation, and welcomes anyone concerned about the appearance of their gums to come in for a consultation.
What makes our gum depigmentation treatment different
Pairs with teeth whitening to brighten your whole smile
Even if only your teeth are whitened, leftover pigment in the gums can still take away from the clean look of your smile. We can offer a combined plan of teeth whitening and gum depigmentation, which works especially well if you want to improve both your teeth and your gums at the same time.
Teeth whitened through bleaching, combined with gums brightened by depigmentation, create a much bigger change in your overall smile. We support both treatments to help you build a smile you are proud of.
A short treatment with little effect on daily life
Gum depigmentation is usually completed in a single session, taking about 30 to 60 minutes for the full mouth. There’s typically no significant downtime afterward, and most patients return to their normal routine the same day. Dietary restrictions are limited to avoiding irritants on the day of treatment, so it’s easy to fit in even for those with a busy schedule.
We check the condition of your gums and walk you through whether the treatment is right for you
Gum depigmentation isn’t effective for every kind of dark patch. When the discoloration comes from inflammation caused by periodontal disease, or from metal showing through the root, this treatment may not help. We take a close look at the condition of your gums beforehand and explain whether gum depigmentation is right for you before proceeding.
What causes dark gums
There are several causes of dark gums. Since the right response depends on the cause, it’s important to first understand what’s behind it.
Melanin pigmentation
This is the most common cause of dark gums. Nicotine from cigarettes, or metal ions released from metal restorations such as silver fillings, irritate the gum cells and trigger melanin production, leading to discoloration. It can also occur naturally in people whose bodies produce more melanin. Gum depigmentation is effective when the dark patches are caused by melanin pigmentation.
Inflammation from periodontal disease
As periodontal disease progresses, the gums can take on a reddish-black discoloration. In this case, the periodontal disease needs to be treated first, before gum depigmentation. Once the inflammation has settled, the color of the gums needs to be checked again.
Learn more about periodontal disease
Metal showing through
When a metal post (a metal core) is used inside the root, its color can sometimes show through the gum as a dark patch. Gum depigmentation can’t correct this, so we may suggest replacing the post with a fiber post or another material instead.
Effects and suitability of gum depigmentation
Gum depigmentation is an effective treatment for dark patches caused by melanin. A special agent (phenol and alcohol) is applied to the gums to peel away the surface tissue containing the pigment, and healthy new gum tissue then regenerates through natural cell turnover. Pink gums usually return within about 2 to 4 weeks after treatment.
However, in patients who smoke, the pigment tends to redeposit, so results may not last as long. If metal, such as silver fillings, also contributes to the discoloration, repeated treatment may be needed. Patients who are allergic to alcohol or phenol cannot receive this treatment.
Who gum depigmentation suits
- You currently smoke (or used to)
- You’ve whitened your teeth, but dark gums are still affecting your smile
- You naturally have deeper gum pigmentation
- You have an upcoming public appearance or special occasion
Treatment process
Consultation
We check the cause, extent, and condition of the discoloration, along with whether periodontal disease or metal show-through is present, and explain whether gum depigmentation is right for you.
Explanation of the treatment and precautions
We explain the treatment process, its effects, post-treatment precautions, and cost. We also check for any allergies at this stage.
Gum depigmentation treatment
The special agent is applied to the gums. Treatment for the full mouth takes about 30 to 60 minutes. During treatment, contact with the agent may cause a mild stinging sensation in the gums.
Follow-up
We explain the post-treatment precautions. Over about 2 to 4 weeks after treatment, the gums complete their natural turnover and pink gum tissue regenerates. If you have any concerns about your recovery, please ask us at your next visit.
Cost guide
Gum depigmentation
| Procedure | Area | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|
| Gum depigmentation | Full mouth | ¥11,000 |
*Gum depigmentation is a private (uninsured) treatment. If you have periodontal disease, it needs to be treated under insurance first. Patients who are allergic to alcohol or phenol cannot receive this treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Does gum depigmentation hurt?
During treatment, contact with the agent may cause a mild stinging or tingling sensation in the gums. Afterward, the gums temporarily turn white, and you may feel some soreness for a few days, but this usually settles within about a week. Please contact us if strong pain continues.
How long do the results of gum depigmentation last?
This varies by individual, but in patients who have quit smoking, the results can last for several years. On the other hand, those who continue to smoke, or whose discoloration is caused by metal pigmentation, tend to see the pigment redeposit more easily. If the darkening bothers you again later, you can have the treatment again.
Can smokers still have gum depigmentation?
It’s possible to receive the treatment itself, but if you continue smoking, the nicotine keeps irritating the gums, so the melanin tends to redeposit and the results don’t last as long. To make the results last longer, we recommend quitting smoking or cutting back.
Are there any dietary restrictions after treatment?
On the day of treatment, we recommend avoiding spicy, hot, or hard foods to reduce irritation to the gums. From the following day, you can usually return to your normal diet, but we’ll advise you based on the condition of your gums.
Can gum depigmentation and teeth whitening be done at the same time?
In most cases, it’s difficult to do both on the same day. We generally recommend having teeth whitening once the gums have settled down, or scheduling it on a different day. If you’d like to combine both, please discuss the order and timing with us at your consultation.
