Gingival Melanosis: What is this spot on the gum?
Some areas of the gums can darken and cause aesthetic problems. Gingival melanosis refers to the darkening of the gums. When they are healthy, they have a pink, coral tone, which is determined by factors such as blood vessels, the thickness of the epithelium or the degree of pigmentation of this gland.
The appearance of these spots and darkening does not pose any health problem, although it affects the aesthetics of our smile.
Luckily, there is a solution.
But before explaining how to solve this problem, we will explain the main causes of its appearance: Amalgam tattoos, which are found mainly in very specific areas as a result of prolonged contact of a silver amalgam with the mucosa, generally in reconstructions below the gum.
Vascular spots.
The sun exposure itself caused by gummy smiles.
Hormonal implications, related to antidepressant treatments and taking contraceptives.
Smoking, because of nicotine.
Clusters of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for the dark color of the skin.
We call it melanoplakia and it depends on the race and skin type (it is very common in dark-skinned people).
How to restore the normal color of the gums?
Once a professional has determined that the hyperpigmented gums have their origin in gingival melanosis, it can be treated.
To do this, it is necessary to carry out a prior diagnosis to know the cause and then eliminate it through melanic depigmentation, that is, through different periodontal plastic surgery techniques that reduce and eliminate the pigmented gums.
The dentist will determine which is most appropriate for each patient.
The most common are: Laser.
It is a routine procedure that eliminates excess melanin in the gums through superficial laser abrasion.
Mucoabrasion.
It is performed by abrasion of the area until the pigmentation of the gum is eliminated or no longer visible.
Gingivectomy.
This technique, which is more invasive, is used, especially when the spots are very delimited.
Cryosurgery.
Liquid nitrogen is applied to the tissue with the aim of freezing the epithelium which, after thawing, will necrose and re-epithelialize within a few weeks.
It should be noted that, although gingival melanosis does not pose any problem beyond aesthetics, there are some oral diseases that manifest themselves in the form of dark spots on the gums: This is why it is important to go to the dentist as soon as they are detected, so that other pathologies can be ruled out.