Who it suits
Gum depigmentation suits you if your gums are healthy and the dark colour shows when you smile or talk. It’s often combined with gum contouring, whitening or veneers as part of a smile makeover.
It isn’t the first step if your gums bleed or are inflamed. Gum disease is treated first, so the gums heal evenly. If you smoke, the colour is likely to come back faster, and stopping makes the result last.
What happens
- Examination. Our periodontist checks your gums, confirms the dark colour is harmless pigment, and photographs your smile.
- Plan. We agree which teeth to include, usually the gums you see when you smile, and you get a written estimate.
- Treatment. After numbing, the thin pigmented layer is removed with the laser, tooth by tooth.
- Healing. The area looks white or raw for a few days, then new pink gum grows over it within about one to two weeks.
- Review. We check the result and photograph it next to the “before” picture.
Laser, scalpel and other methods
Dentists use several techniques: laser, scalpel, electrosurgery and cryosurgery. A 2019 review found the laser was the most commonly used and gave better-looking results, less pain and faster healing, though pigment returned a little more in some laser cases at six months. A 2014 review found cryosurgery, electrosurgery and laser all gave low rates of the colour returning. Our periodontist chooses the method that suits your gums.
Aftercare
- Soft, cool food for the first few days; avoid spicy, hot and crunchy food.
- Brush your teeth carefully and avoid scrubbing the treated gum until it has healed.
- Use the mouthwash prescribed.
- Don’t smoke.
Risks
Tenderness for a few days is expected. Rarely, the gum heals unevenly or a small area needs touching up. Pigment can return over time, especially in smokers. We’ll explain these at your consultation.
What affects the fee
How many teeth are treated, one jaw or both, and whether any gum treatment is needed first. You get an itemised written estimate after the examination.
Questions patients ask us
Why are my gums black or dark?
Most often it's natural melanin pigment, which is common and harmless. Smoking darkens gums too, and some medicines can. A dark patch that appears suddenly, changes or is raised should be examined, which is part of every consultation.
Is gum depigmentation permanent?
The result usually lasts for years, but pigment can slowly return in some people, especially smokers. If it does, the treatment can be repeated.
Is gum depigmentation painful?
The gums are numbed first, so the procedure itself is comfortable. The treated gum is tender for a few days as it heals, and painkillers and a soft diet help.
Laser or scalpel, which is better?
Both work. Studies report that lasers give less pain and faster healing, though colour may return sooner in some cases. Our periodontist will recommend the method that suits your gums.
How much does gum depigmentation cost?
It depends on how many teeth are involved and whether one jaw or both are treated. You get a written estimate after the examination.
Can I just bleach my gums at home?
No. Teeth-whitening gels and home kits don't lighten gum pigment and can burn the gum. The pigment sits in the gum's top layer and has to be removed professionally.
Sources
Gul et al., Management of physiologic gingival hyperpigmentation: systematic review and meta-analysis, Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology, 2019 ↗Lin et al., Systematic review of treatment modalities for gingival depigmentation, Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 2014 ↗Last updated 14 October 2026. This page explains options in general terms; your own plan comes from an examination.