Typical Costs of Gum Depigmentation
Hyperpigmentation in the gum tissue can affect anyone though it is more common in people of African and Middle Eastern descent as a result of excessive melanin in the gum tissue. Though it is typically genetic, gingival hyperpigmentation can be a result of smoking, systemic illnesses, and certain medications. Darker gum tissue is not a health concern but it can affect how you feel about your smile.
Laser gum depigmentation is used to lighten dark areas on gingival tissue. It is designed to give gum tissue a more uniform appearance and improve the aesthetics of the patient’s smile. The laser used for treatment works to vaporize dark spots and kill the cells that create melanin. Depending on the darkness and depth of the area being treated, multiple sessions may be necessary to achieve desired results.
If your gum discoloration is due to an underlying medical condition, that needs to be addressed by your doctor before gum treatment. Patients with gum discoloration due to periodontal disease need to have treatment to get their gums healthy before depigmentation treatment.
Gum depigmentation, sometimes called gum bleaching, does not use any type of solution to actually bleach the tissue. Lasers and microdermabrasion remove the outermost layer of tissue to reveal lighter, underlying tissue. Gum depigmentation is a simple, non-invasive procedure with no downtime for the patient during recovery. Patients can go about their normal routines the day after treatment. Gum depigmentation:
- Provides immediate results with little discomfort
- Non-invasive treatment avoids bleeding during or after treatment
- Has low risk of infection
Cost of Gum Depigmentation
Unfortunately, gum depigmentation is considered a cosmetic procedure so dental insurance is unlikely to provide any coverage where costs are concerned. Laser gum depigmentation ranges from $2500-$4000 per arch, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Many offices offer payment plans and may even work with a third-party financial company to ease the out-of-pocket cost for their patients. If you are considering gum depigmentation, it is important to understand your insurance benefits and be prepared to pay for treatment at the time of service.
Gum depigmentation can last 20 years or even a lifetime without needing re-treatment. If you have dark areas on your gum tissue that make you uncomfortable and hesitant to smile, gum depigmentation is a great treatment option that can restore confidence and self esteem. Make sure to speak with your dentist to see if you are a candidate for gum depigmentation. Not everyone is but if the cause of your dark spots is high melanin production, this may just be the treatment for you!