Gum Lightening Service: Dentists Try A New, Less Painful Approach
Gum lightening services have always been a lot of hype ? but now that lasers are involved, the hype might be worth it after all. At The Whiter Smile, we?re excited to announce the addition of laser bleaching to our extensive list of dentistry services. For many years, gum bleaching has been how dentists would try to remove gum pigmentation in the past ? the keyword there being tried. Using painful lasers, dentists would literally burn away an entire layer of the gum tissue in the hopes of getting rid of the melanocytes (which produce?
What?s The Problem With Dark Gums?
Dentists would try to remove gum pigmentation in the past ? the keyword there being tried. Using painful lasers, dentists would literally burn away an entire layer of the gum tissue in the hopes of getting rid of the melanocytes (which produce melanin). This could lead to significant pain and swelling as well as a reduced sense of taste and smell. It was not unusual for patients to end up with loose teeth or trouble swallowing.
What Is A Laser Bleaching Treatment?
Every person’s teeth lighten with age and lifestyle. In some cases, teeth may also change color due to the accumulation of plaque on their surfaces. Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar which can cause gum bleaching and tooth decay. This is why it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. If you have some stubborn stains or discoloration in between dental visits, then you may be interested in laser bleaching treatment provided by your dentist.
A laser bleaching treatment will typically take about thirty minutes for an entire mouth area and usually does not require any anesthesia or sedation as long as the patient has no medical conditions that would prohibit this type of procedure.
The Dark Side Of Bleaching:
The gum bleaching procedure was typically done with lasers and is certainly not without its risks. Beyond the pain of the actual procedure, there are long-term dangers associated with burning away gum tissue. Gum lighting services can be an effective alternative to painful laser treatments.
Gum Bleaching Cost:
A gum lightning service can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000. Since the procedure is so costly and painful, it is usually only performed on patients who are suffering from chronic pain or who have other conditions that can be exacerbated by pigmentation.
The discomfort associated with gum bleaching is what made dentists move away from the practice in recent years. In response to patient demand for a less traumatic procedure that would deliver comparable results, dentists have begun using lasers to remove pigmentation instead of burning away layers of gum tissue. This new method reduces the pain and discomfort experienced by patients while delivering similar results in terms of how much pigment it removes.
How Long Does Bleaching Take?
What happens to the gums after treatment? The gums should heal with no signs of laser treatment. For the first few days following treatment, you may have some minor swelling and discoloration in your gums. This is normal and should disappear within two weeks. Occasionally, there will be slight changes in your gum color as well. These changes are usually temporary and should resolve within three months of treatment.
Will Bleaching Hurt?
The treatment process is quick and painless. Dr. Wooten will do a few tests to make sure that you are the right candidate for this procedure before he does any work on your mouth. When the laser is applied to your gums it doesn’t burn them away like other methods, but instead, it stimulates the growth of melanocytes in that area. All of this takes place within about 15 minutes and there is little to no recovery time. You’ll be able to return to your normal day-to-day activities immediately after the procedure!
What Happens After Treatment?
After the procedure, the gum will be slightly red and look like it is sunburned. These symptoms should disappear in a few days. Some people will experience some pain or sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. It’s important that you continue brushing your teeth during this time because any food particles left on your gums can lead to infection.
The day after treatment, you may notice some discomfort from the laser when you eat hot or cold foods and your toothbrush bristles may feel too harsh for your tender gums. You can rinse with salt water (1/4 teaspoon) as often as necessary to alleviate these issues.