Laser Gum Depigmentation Laser Gum Depigmentation Gum depigmentation may be a procedure utilized in dentistry to get rid of black spots or patches on the gums caused by excessive melanin. the traditional color of the gum tissue (gingiva) is pink, but excess deposits of melanin (melanin gingival hyperpigmentation) can create what seem to be black spots or patches on the gums, creating an aesthetic or cosmetic problem. Discolouration can also be caused by future use of certain medications. A clinical assessment is administered to customize the treatment to the patients needs, and therefore the procedure itself can involve laser ablation techniques. Laser Gum Depigmentation Techniques (Laser Gum Bleaching) Melanocytes are cells which reside within the basal layer of the gingival epithelium. These cells produce melanin, which are pigments that cause discoloration or dark spots in gums. A dental laser can target and ablate the melanocytes, thus reducing the assembly of melanin within the gingival tissue. Following laser depigmentation, the gingiva heals by secondary intention. This leads to a lighter and more uniform color of the gums.