Gum Depigmentation

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 This article is orphaned as few or no other articles link to it.
Please help introduce links in articles on related topics. (June 2008)


This page has few or no links to other articles. (Tagged since June 2008).
You can improve this article by adding links to related material, within the existing text. For some link suggestions, you can try Can We Link It tool. (You can help!)

Contents

[edit] Causes

The normal color of the gum tissue (gingiva) is pink. Gum depigmentation is mostly caused by deposits of melanin creating what seem to be black spots or patches on the gums. In “gummy smile” patients, excess melanin deposits (melanin gingival hyperpigmentation) may cause an aesthetic or cosmetic problem [1]

[edit] Treatment

Gum Depigmentation (aka Gum Bleaching) is the most common treatment for pigmented or discolored gums. Treatment should start with a thorough examination of a patient's gums to ensure their health. Since the degree of discoloration and pigment saturation varies by patient, treatment may need to be customized based on the patients needs. Methods to remove gingival hyperpigmentation vary amongst surgical, chemical, and laser techniques. It seems that the most reliable and satisfactory procedure is gum bleaching. [2][3]

[edit] History

The pivotal paper on the treatment for "discolored", "pigmented", "black gums" is decisively the "Treatment of Gingival Pigmentation and Discoloration for Esthetic Purposes" authored by Dr. Alex Farnoosh and was featured in the International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry in 1990[4] Since then there have been many additional papers citing alternative techniques. Dr. Farnoosh remains a thought leader on the treatment of discolored gums.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Treatment of Gingival Hyperpigmentation by Erbium-Doped:Yttrium, Aluminum, and Garnet Laser for Esthetic Purposes Manal M. Azzeh Journal of Periodontology Jan 2007, Vol. 78, No. 1: 177-184.
  2. ^ Beverly Hills Dentist Dr. Alex Farnoosh Offers Cure for Discolored Gums
  3. ^ Farnoosh AA. Treatment of gingival pigmentation and discoloration for esthetic purposes. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 1990;10:312-319
  4. ^ Treatment of gingival pigmentation and discoloration for esthetic purposes. Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 1990;10:312-319.
 This article is uncategorized.
Please categorize this article to list it with similar articles. (June 2008)