How Much Does It Cost to Lighten Your Gums?
Gum hyperpigmentation, also called gingival hyperpigmentation, is less clinically known as dark gums. The most common cause of dark gums is a genetically occurring excess of melanin. While anyone can be born with hyperpigmented gums, the condition most often occurs in people with African or Middle Eastern heritage. There are also external causes of gum hyperpigmentation, which include certain medications or medical conditions, some metal amalgam dental hardware, and smoking. Gum hyperpigmentation may appear throughout the gums, creating a consistently darkened color, or it may appear as darker or discolored spots or patches on the gums. No matter the cause, if you’re bothered by your dark gums, you should know that there are some common, effective solutions that can lighten the gums and help you smile with more confidence. These treatments range in cost, complexity, and efficacy, and this article reviews some of these factors.
What Methods do Dentists Use to Lighten Gums?
Dentists rely on a few different methods of gum lightening, including dermabrasion, bleaching, laser treatment, and gum surgery. These options range in complexity, though in most cases, the gums can be effectively lightened in a single office visit that often takes under an hour. To ensure patient comfort during gum lightening, local anesthetic is administered to numb the treatment area before the procedure begins. For gingival dermabrasion, the dentist uses a small, abrasive polishing tool and gently scrubs away the outer layer of gum tissue, revealing the pink tissue beneath. In bleaching treatments, a clinical bleach solution is applied to the gums and activated with laser light before being removed. Laser treatments, considered one of the most effective gum-lightening treatments, rely on strong, pulsating light that vaporizes the outer layer of melanated gum tissue and exposes underlying pink tissue, delivering instant results with minimal recovery time. Surgical gum lightening treatments are used less frequently, often reserved for more severe or complicated cases.
What Does Gum Lightening Cost?
While there may be medical causes for some cases of gum hyperpigmentation, dark gums don’t pose any medical risks in and of themselves. For this reason, gum lightening is considered a cosmetic dental treatment and is rarely covered by dental insurance plans. While the cost of gum lightening treatment varies from dentist to dentist, the more significant factors that affect cost include the method used, the breadth and location of areas of hyperpigmentation, and the depth of the hyperpigmented gum tissue. When smaller areas of the gums are being lightened with dermabrasion or bleaching, the procedure could cost as little as $500. When a full arch of gum tissue is being lightened with state-of-the-art laser technology, the treatment may cost anywhere from $2,000 to $2,500 per arch. A consultation with your dentist can help you determine which method of gum lightening might work best for you, and if cost is a concern, talk with your dentist about payment plans or third-party financing options to help defray the cost. In most cases, there is a solution that can work for any patient who wishes to brighten their smile by lightening their gums, and the initial investment is well worth the confidence and satisfaction a vibrant smile can provide. Call today for a consultation to learn if there’s a solution that will work for you.