South Vancouver Gum Depigmentation
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Gum Depigmentation
Your smile is one of the first things people notice—and it’s not just your teeth that make it shine. The colour and appearance of your gums play a big part in the overall look of your smile. For some people, dark spots or uneven gum pigmentation can feel distracting or make them feel self-conscious. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Laser gum depigmentation is a gentle, effective way to create a more even, natural-looking gum tone—helping you smile with even more confidence.
What causes dark gums?
Darker pigmentation on the gums is often completely natural and varies depending on your skin tone and genetics. In many cases, it’s due to higher levels of melanin—the same pigment that affects skin and hair colour. Other times, dark spots can develop over time as a result of:
- Smoking or tobacco use: Smoking has been linked to increased melanin production in the gums.
- Medication side effects: Certain prescriptions can lead to changes in gum colour.
- Previous dental trauma or inflammation: Long-term irritation may result in localized pigmentation.
While these factors are rarely a health concern, they can influence how you feel about your smile. Laser gum depigmentation offers a cosmetic solution for those who want a more balanced gum appearance.
What is laser gum depigmentation?
Laser gum depigmentation, sometimes referred to as gum lightening, is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at reducing or eliminating dark spots on the gums. The process involves using dental laser technology to gently remove the outer layer of pigmented gum tissue, allowing new, healthier tissue to emerge. This method is known for its precision and minimal discomfort.
Benefits of laser gum depigmentation
Choosing laser gum depigmentation isn’t just about appearance—it’s about feeling good when you smile. Whether you’re looking to balance your gum tone or simply want to boost your confidence, this treatment comes with several meaningful benefits:
- Improved smile aesthetics: Achieve a more uniform and appealing gum appearance.
- Minimally invasive: The procedure is gentle and does not require scalpels or sutures.
- Quick recovery: Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume daily activities promptly.
- Long-lasting results: With proper oral care, results can be sustained over time.
The laser gum depigmentation procedure
The treatment is typically completed in a single visit:
- Consultation: A dental professional assesses your oral health and discusses your goals.
- Preparation: The gum area is cleaned, and a local anesthetic may be used for comfort.
- Laser treatment: The laser targets and removes the pigmented areas with precision.
- Post-treatment guidance: Aftercare instructions help support healing and maintain results.
A natural look starts with healthy-looking gums
Your smile is personal—and so is how you feel about it. Laser gum depigmentation offers a gentle, low-maintenance way to help your gums look more even and natural. If dark spots have made you hesitant to show your smile, this treatment can offer a fresh start. With the right care and a bit of time, your gums can look brighter and more balanced—helping you feel more like yourself every time you smile.
What Makes Fraserview Dentist So Great?
With benefits like financing options, and evening and weekend hours, we're here to accommodate you! Find out why we are so highly rated in our reviews. Call Now (604) 325-1711Book An AppointmentWhat Is Tooth Whitening?
Professional tooth whitening is a dental procedure that removes discolouration and stains. While on the pricey side, whitening is among the more affordable cosmetic dental procedures, which has only added to its popularity. In most cases, you will need multiple visits to achieve the desired shade or to maintain your smile’s brighter colour.
Fortunately, your South Vancouver teeth whitening professionals can have your teeth professionally whitened in a simple, pain-free process. Your dentist uses a stronger hydrogen or carbamide peroxide solution than you’ll find in any at-home whitening strips. While effective, the maximum-strength treatments do come with risks if applied incorrectly or left on for too long, which is why they’re only available to professionals.
During the whitening treatment, the peroxide gel breaks up the stain and leaves you with a whiter, brighter smile.
Your South Vancouver Teeth Whitening Professional Explains What Causes Tooth Discolouration
Teeth stain or yellow for various reasons. Over time, your tooth enamel thins and makes it easier for the yellowish dentin level underneath to show through. That is why you may notice yellowing with age even if you avoid other common culprits.
Food and Drink
Many people experience staining from coffee, red wine, or tea. These beverages contain chromogens, which are intense colour pigments that attach to the tooth enamel. Foods like soy sauce, beets, tomato sauce, and blueberries can also stain teeth. Avoiding these foods and drinks can help reduce staining and discolouration when no other causes are present.
Tobacco
Tobacco users often experience tooth staining and discolouration. Tar and nicotine are notorious for staining both skin and teeth yellow. More than that, tobacco use is a major risk factor for other oral diseases.
Medication
Medications can also affect your teeth’s appearance. Certain types of high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, and antipsychotic drugs can darken teeth, as can radiation and chemotherapy.
Mouth Injuries
Trauma or injury to the mouth or gums can change the colour of your smile. Teeth react to trauma by creating more dentin, which is noticeably darker than the white enamel on top. This excess dentin can make a tooth look discoloured compared to the surrounding teeth.
Am I a Candidate for Tooth Whitening According to my South Vancouver Teeth Whitening Professionals?
Whether or not you’re a good candidate for a professional whitening depends on a number of factors. The best candidates for the procedure have healthy teeth and gums without restorations or fillings. You’re also more likely to respond better to treatment if your teeth have experienced certain types of discolouration.
Not everyone is suited to a tooth whitening treatment. For example, your dentist may not approve a whitening in the following situations:
You are pregnant or nursing
You are under 16 years old
You have sensitive teeth
You have tooth decay, periodontal disease, exposed roots, or cavities
You are allergic to the whitening agents
You have unrealistic expectations
You have cosmetic restorations like crowns, bridges, or implants
At Fraserview Dentist, your South Vancouver teeth whitening professionals will discuss beforehand whether you are a good candidate for the treatment and the kind of results you can expect from the procedure.
Preparing for the Tooth Whitening Procedure
Before your dentist performs a tooth whitening on your smile, he or she will need to treat any cavities or other existing issues. Once those are addressed, the dentist will take photos of your teeth, examine them, and ask questions about your lifestyle habits. This process helps your dentist gauge what caused the discolouration and whether you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
After a dental hygienist cleans your teeth, the whitening procedure can begin. Your dentist will apply a substance to the gums around the teeth to protect them from the whitening agent. Using a powerful whitening gel, the dentist will then apply the treatment to your individual teeth and may use a specialized laser or UV light to speed up the activation process.
After applying the treatment, the dentist will inspect your teeth using a light that helps spot discolorations that may need additional treatment. In some cases, you may be fitted with a custom mouthpiece and sent home with a whitening treatment that’s safe to perform at home. Professional at-home treatments can take several weeks, and you might be required to wear the mouthpiece several hours per day.
When Tooth Whitening Isn’t Enough
If your teeth are discoloured due to trauma or a professional tooth whitening doesn’t achieve the results you’re hoping for, you do have other options. Veneers are more expensive than a tooth whitening treatment, but they can completely change your smile’s look in a single visit.
Learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options by speaking with one of our dentists. Here at Fraserview Dentist, we’re happy to discuss your concerns and go over your options for transforming your smile.
