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Laser Gum Depigmentation

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What is Laser Gum Depigmentation?

Laser gum depigmentation, also known as gum bleaching, is a cosmetic dental procedure that is used to lighten dark patches on the gums caused by excessive melanin, a pigment responsible for the colour of gums.

Healthy gums are naturally pink and contribute to a visually appealing smile. However, excessive melanin production can lead to dark or black gums and can result from various factors, including poor oral hygiene, smoking, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as Addison's disease or oral malignant melanoma.

Gums may play a crucial role in oral health by framing the teeth and enhancing overall smile beauty. Dark pigmentation in the gums therefore may draw attention away from the teeth, disrupting the smile balance and may even cause self-consciousness in some individuals, affecting their confidence and willingness to smile!

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What Causes Dark Patchy Gums?

Just like our skin, our gums can vary in shades. However, they can sometimes appear uneven or patchy instead of having a consistent colour. This condition, known as gingival hyperpigmentation, is often caused by an overproduction of melanin and may be triggered by:

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Genetics - Individuals with darker skin tones naturally tend to have darker gums. Additionally, certain ethnic groups, like of African or Asian descent are more likely to have naturally darker gums.
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Smoking - Exposure to the chemicals in tobacco smoke can stimulate melanin production in the gums, a phenomenon commonly known as "Smoker's Melanosis."
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Hormonal Changes - Hormonal fluctuations may influence melanin production in the body, such as during pregnancy or puberty.
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Medications and Medical Conditions - Certain medications like antimalarial drugs and antibiotics as well as specific medical conditions such as Addison's disease have been associated with darker gums.

What Causes Dark Patchy Gums?

Just like our skin, our gums can vary in shades. However, they can sometimes appear uneven or patchy instead of having a consistent colour. This condition, known as gingival hyperpigmentation, is often caused by an overproduction of melanin and may be triggered by:

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Genetics

Individuals with darker skin tones naturally tend to have darker gums. Additionally, certain ethnic groups, like of African or Asian descent are more likely to have naturally darker gums.

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Smoking

Exposure to the chemicals in tobacco smoke can stimulate melanin production in the gums, a phenomenon commonly known as "Smoker's Melanosis."

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Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations may influence melanin production in the body, such as during pregnancy or puberty.

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Medications and Medical Conditions

Certain medications like antimalarial drugs and antibiotics as well as specific medical conditions such as Addison's disease have been associated with darker gums.

Did You Know?

Laser gum depigmentation is also known as gum whitening or gum bleaching as it removes dark spots to reveal a pinker, even-toned gum appearance. Despite the terms "whitening" and "bleaching," this procedure does not involve the use of actual bleach at all!

 

Rather, it uses laser to target and remove excess melanin from the gums. This is a safe and painless procedure that is generally completed in just one visit and the results can last for up to 20 years.

 

Interested to know about teeth whitening or teeth bleaching at Dental Designs instead?

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Benefits of Laser Gum Depigmentation

benefits
Laser gum depigmentation offers a highly controlled approach, targeting excess melanin while minimising damage to surrounding tissue. This ensures predictable and consistent results for a uniform gum colour.
Laser treatment is minimally invasive as compared to traditional surgery and it does not involve surgical blades or the need for cuts. This approach eliminates the need for stitches, leading to less discomfort, reduced bleeding and faster healing.
Many people feel self-conscious about the appearance of their gums, especially when smiling or speaking. Laser gum depigmentation can help you feel more confident and comfortable with your smile.
Laser gum depigmentation is usually completed in just one visit, making it convenient for patients. Additionally, local anesthesia is applied to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.

Removing excess pigmentation from the gums helps maintain healthy gum tissue and reduces the risk of gum disease and infection associated with poor oral hygiene.

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Waterlase Laser Dentistry:

A Minimally Invasive Alternative

Traditionally, gum depigmentation procedures involved aggressive surgical methods with scalpels or burs. While effective, these methods were often associated with discomfort, bleeding and longer healing times.

At Dental Designs, we use the Biolase Waterlase Laser System for our Laser Gum Depigmentation procedures. This is a minimally invasive procedure and involves the use of an Erbium, Chromium:YSGG laser to remove gum hyperpigmentation.

The laser energy targets only the pigmented tissue while leaving surrounding healthy tissue untouched. You will be able to eat, speak and smile immediately after the procedure without any special precautions. 

Say goodbye to dark gums and hello to a brighter, more confident smile.

Process of Laser Gum Depigmentation at Dental Designs

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1. Comprehensive Consultation

At Dental Designs, we believe in understanding your individual needs and concerns, which is why our consultation process is thorough and detailed.

During your personalised consultation session, our dentist will:

  • Assess your gum health, discuss your symptoms and determine the suitability of Laser Gum Depigmentation specifically for your unique dental situation
  • Analyse your medical background, which includes lifestyle factors such as smoking and current medications
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2. Laser Gum Depigmentation Procedure

The procedure includes several key steps:

Anaesthesia - The dentist will administer local anaesthesia to numb the gums. This ensures that you remain comfortable throughout the treatment.

Pigment Removal Using Laser - The Waterlase system will be used to target the pigmented areas of the gums, emitting a focused beam of light that is absorbed by the melanin pigments. This absorption causes the pigments to break down and disperse, effectively reducing their appearance.

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3. Post-Operative Care

After undergoing Laser Gum Depigmentation, it is essential to prioritise long-term oral health care to ensure the success of the treatment. This involves following the post-treatment instructions provided by your dentist, which may include specific guidelines for good oral hygiene, diet and medication use.

You may experience mild discomfort after the procedure but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and should improve as you heal.

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4. Review Checks

Evaluation - After the initial laser application, the dentist will evaluate the treated areas to determine if any additional sessions are needed. For deeper or persistent pigmentations, more laser passes may be performed to achieve the desired depigmentation results.

These appointments are important for ensuring that your gums are responding well and that the results of the Laser Gum Depigmentation procedure are maintained over time.

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Implant angulation

Need for bone grafting and other surgical procedures like sinus lift and nerve repositioning

Treatment timeline

Traditional Implants

Requires one implant for each missing tooth

Implants have to be placed where the individual tooth is missing

Align with adjacent teeth and supporting bone

High probability, especially if sufficient bone is not present to support the implant, or vital structures like nerves and sinus membrane are in close proximity

Have to wait for a healing period of 3-6 months before artificial teeth can be placed

All-on-4 Implants

Requires 4 implants to replace an entire jaw of missing teeth

Implants are strategically placed in areas of jawbone with the highest bone density

Two implants at the back are placed at 30-45 degrees

Less probability of requiring adjunct surgical procedures

You receive your temporary artificial teeth immediately after placement of the implants

What It Means If You Choose All-on-4

Overall cost of treatment is reduced

Stable implants and artificial teeth

Stress from daily activities such as chewing and swallowing is distributed efficiently

Overall cost of treatment is reduced, less recovery time and less stress for patient

Patient receive their new teeth on the same day as surgery

Feature

Number of implants needed

Implant placement

Implant angulation

Need for bone grafting and other surgical procedures like sinus lift and nerve repositioning

Treatment timeline

Traditional Implants

Requires one implant for each missing tooth

Implants have to be placed where the individual tooth is missing

Align with adjacent teeth and supporting bone

High probability, especially if sufficient bone is not present to support the implant, or vital structures like nerves and sinus membrane are in close proximity

Have to wait for a healing period of 3-6 months before artificial teeth can be placed

All-on-4 Implants

Requires 4 implants to replace an entire jaw of missing teeth

Implants are strategically placed in areas of jawbone with the highest bone density

Two implants at the back are placed at 30-45 degrees

Less probability of requiring adjunct surgical procedures

You receive your temporary artificial teeth immediately after placement of the implants

What It Means If You Choose All-on-4

Overall cost of treatment is reduced

Stable implants and artificial teeth

Stress from daily activities such as chewing and swallowing is distributed efficiently

Overall cost of treatment is reduced, less recovery time and less stress for patient

Patient receive their new teeth on the same day as surgery

Feature

Number of implants needed

Implant placement

Implant angulation

Need for bone grafting and other surgical procedures like sinus lift and nerve repositioning

Treatment timeline

Traditional Implants

Requires one implant for each missing tooth

Implants have to be placed where the individual tooth is missing

Align with adjacent teeth and supporting bone

High probability, especially if sufficient bone is not present to support the implant, or vital structures like nerves and sinus membrane are in close proximity

Have to wait for a healing period of 3-6 months before artificial teeth can be placed

All-on-4 Implants

Requires 4 implants to replace an entire jaw of missing teeth

Implants are strategically placed in areas of jawbone with the highest bone density

Two implants at the back are placed at 30-45 degrees

Less probability of requiring adjunct surgical procedures

You receive your temporary artificial teeth immediately after placement of the implants

What It Means If You Choose All-on-4

Overall cost of treatment is reduced

Stable implants and artificial teeth

Stress from daily activities such as chewing and swallowing is distributed efficiently

Overall cost of treatment is reduced, less recovery time and less stress for patient

Patient receive their new teeth on the same day as surgery

Feature

Number of implants needed

Implant placement

Implant angulation

Need for bone grafting and other surgical procedures like sinus lift and nerve repositioning

Treatment timeline

Traditional Implants

Requires one implant for each missing tooth

Implants have to be placed where the individual tooth is missing

Align with adjacent teeth and supporting bone

High probability, especially if sufficient bone is not present to support the implant, or vital structures like nerves and sinus membrane are in close proximity

Have to wait for a healing period of 3-6 months before artificial teeth can be placed

All-on-4 Implants

Requires 4 implants to replace an entire jaw of missing teeth

Implants are strategically placed in areas of jawbone with the highest bone density

Two implants at the back are placed at 30-45 degrees

Less probability of requiring adjunct surgical procedures

You receive your temporary artificial teeth immediately after placement of the implants

What It Means If You Choose All-on-4

Overall cost of treatment is reduced

Stable implants and artificial teeth

Stress from daily activities such as chewing and swallowing is distributed efficiently

Overall cost of treatment is reduced, less recovery time and less stress for patient

Patient receive their new teeth on the same day as surgery

Cost of Laser Gum Depigmentation in Singapore

The cost of Laser Gum Depigmentation treatment can vary significantly, depending on the treatment plan developed by the dentist for each individual patient. Factors influencing the cost include the extent and depth of the hyperpigmentation, as well as any additional procedures needed.

For instance, individuals with a thick, dark band of hyperpigmentation extending over all sides of the gum may require a longer treatment duration and multiple sessions, leading to a higher overall treatment cost. Laser gum depigmentation may sometimes be combined with other dental procedures, such as gum contouring or cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening.

The cost of Laser Gum Depigmentation treatment typically starts from $1000 per arch. During your consultation, your dentist will assess your specific needs and provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, enabling you to make an informed decision about your treatment and budget accordingly.

STARTS FROM

$1090*

Laser Gum Depigmentation (per arch) $1090

*Price are inclusive of 9% GST

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START FROM

$100

Option One $100
Option Two $150
Option Three $200
Option Four $250
Option Five $300

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Over 28 reviews

The service and doctor is the best in town! The customer service and receptionists are very friendly! Dr Phillip Miller and Dr Noah Teo is very nice and very professional on their skill! They also very patient to explain to me about the treatment!

Will come back again!

Thank you very much!

李岳侨
Beautiful and friendly dental clinic, was recommended by my colleague. Been coming here for dental cleaning and fillings. Always a good visit!
J. Kho

This dental clinic has very good staff who are well trained and friendly. The dentists are also very good and will explain the treatment in detail before starting treatment. The equipment is very high tech and I believe they are able to do high quality work as I did my crown here and it looks much better than my colleague who also recently did his at another place. The waiting room is also very comfortable. good job!

C. Zheng De

This clinic is one of the best I have ever seen. I saw dr Justin for my implant which I did many years ago, the tooth was loose, and other drs told me to remove it as they could not find out what brand it was but dr Justin was able to take 3d xrays and locate the brand and specially ordered the part in. he saved me from having to do a surgery to remove and put a new implant which would have cost me a bomb. the tooth looks even better than the original thanks to the experieced dental technician Katsuya from Japan. 

Very happy and will keep coming back for my regular dental. 

G. Hock An

my workplace is close by and I had a problem with my tooth for a few days, so I made an appointment to come down. The receptionist who booked my appointment was very helpful and friendly to explain the way to the clinic from my office. I saw Dr Nicholas who was able to do a root canal treatment on the same visit so that I didn't need to come back. I felt safe and comfortable to do my dental treatment here as the dental picks are all wrapped up and sterilized and only opened before each treatment when im inside. 

P. Wendy
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Gum Depigmentation Treatment In Singapore

The longevity of gum depigmentation results can vary from person to person. While the procedure can provide long-lasting results, it's important to note that factors such as genetics, oral hygiene habits, lifestyle choices, and environmental factors can influence the duration of the effects.

In some cases, pigmentation may gradually return over time, especially if the underlying cause of the pigmentation is not addressed or if proper oral care is not maintained. However, with good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups, the results of gum depigmentation can be maintained for many years.

Laser gum bleaching is typically not painful, as it is performed under local anesthesia to numb the gums and ensure your comfort during the procedure. The laser used is gentle, targeting only the pigmented areas of the gums while leaving the surrounding tissue unharmed. This results in minimal discomfort and faster healing times compared to traditional surgical methods.

Overall, while some report tenderness and numbness after the procedure, others experience little to no pain at all.

The duration of laser gum depigmentation treatment can vary depending on the extent of pigmentation and the number of areas being treated. However, in general, the procedure typically takes about an hour per arch (upper or lower) to complete. This includes the time for anesthesia to take effect and for the dentist to carefully remove the pigmented tissue using the laser.

It's important to note that more extensive cases or cases requiring multiple areas to be treated may take longer.

Factors such as oral hygiene practices and lifestyle habits (such as smoking) can all influence how long the results last. In general, the effects of laser gum depigmentation can last for an average of 20 years.

However, over time, melanocytes (cells responsible for producing melanin) can regenerate, leading to the return of pigmentation. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular dental check-ups, and avoiding habits that can contribute to gum discolouration can help prolong the results of laser gum depigmentation.

The healing process after laser gum depigmentation is generally quick and straightforward. Immediately after the procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, swelling or tenderness in the treated area. However, these symptoms typically resolve within a few days. During the healing process, it is important to follow your dentist's post-operative care instructions.

Laser gum depigmentation is considered a safe procedure but like any medical treatment, it carries potential risks and side effects. These may include:

  1. Discomfort - Discomfort may occur for some patients during or after the procedure. Typically, it resolves within a few days and can often be alleviated with over-the-counter medications.

  2. Swelling - Mild swelling of the gums is common after laser gum depigmentation. This typically resolves within a few days.

  3. Infection - There is a small risk of infection after any dental procedure. However, this risk can be minimised by following proper post-operative care instructions.

  4. Recurrence of Pigmentation - In some cases, the pigmentation may return over time, especially if the underlying cause of the pigmentation is not addressed. For example, if smoking or certain medications are the cause, continued use may lead to the re-appearance of pigmentation. Similarly, if there are systemic issues contributing to the pigmentation, such as hormonal imbalances, these need to be managed to prevent recurrence.

It is essential to discuss any concerns or questions you may have about the procedure with your dentist before undergoing laser gum depigmentation. They can provide information based on your specific situation and help you make an informed decision about whether the treatment is right for you.

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