Witnessing anything unusual in your mouth can be scary. Especially when you take great care of your mouth, finding something out of the ordinary is a surprise, is it not?
One such unusual occurrence is an amalgam tattoo.
An amalgam tattoo is a gray discoloration in your mouth that occurs in your mouth where there has been a dental filling.
If you also have gray spots in your mouth and don’t know what to do, visit us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio. We must diagnose the problem so a suitable treatment plan can be prescribed.
To know more about amalgam tattoo treatment, read the blog and learn what to expect during the procedure.
What Are The Reasons For An Amalgam Tattoo?
The common reasons for an amalgam tattoo are dental fillings and tooth extraction. The dental fillings, called amalgam, are made of silver, mercury, copper, and tin. The amalgam might fly around during the procedure and get trapped in the tissue, causing the gray stains.
Other than this, there can be different reasons for a gray spot in your mouth, such as:
Graphite Staining: If you chew on your pencils, the graphite particles might lodge themselves in the tissue, causing discoloration.
Lead Staining: If you have had a bullet wound near your mouth in the past, the lead might cause the staining.
Asphalt Tattoos: During an accident, if asphalt pieces get stuck in your mouth, they can lead to asphalt tattoos.
Diagnosis of An Amalgam Tattoo
The diagnosis of an amalgam tattoo is simple. If you see any gray spots in your mouth, book an appointment with us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio.
We advise you to be forthcoming about any dental conditions, procedures, or accidents you have had in the past. It will help us in diagnosis.
You must know that amalgam tattoos are benign and don’t harm oral health.
There is a myth regarding amalgam tattoos that it might lead to mercury poisoning due to amalgam pieces. It is untrue, however.
Amalgam Tattoo Treatment in Chandler
There are two amalgam tattoo treatment options for you:
Surgical Removal
The process is called for in severe cases. Surgical removal is suggested when the stain covers a significant part of your mouth. It includes cutting away the affected tissue and suturing the area. The process is associated with risks and requires more recovery time.
Laser Treatment
Laser treatment is the best if you want a painless way of removing the discoloration. It removes the pigmented tissues using a high-power laser. It breaks down the pigments and removes them without causing much pain or discomfort.
Recovery and Aftercare
The recovery after amalgam tattoo treatment depends on the process you opt for. If you go for surgical excision, the recovery time will be longer, say a week or two. It depends on the severity of the condition.
However, you will feel mild discomfort in laser treatment for the first 24 -48 hours.
As for the aftercare, you must take your medicines on time. Avoid hot and spicy foods for the first 48 hours. Also, maintain good oral hygiene to avoid infection.
What If I Don’t Get Amalgam Tattoo Treatment?
That’s one option for you. As mentioned earlier, amalgam tattoos are benign and don’t cause any discomfort.
However, if the tattoo impacts your mouth’s aesthetic, you should go for it. For example, you have a dental filling in one of your canines, and the tattoo is now marring your gum on the front.
It would necessitate an amalgam tattoo treatment.
Why Choose Peace of Mind Dental Studio?
Peace of Mind Dental Studio is ideal for anyone seeking amalgam tattoo treatment. We believe in finding the most suitable treatment plan for you. Our first step is to diagnose the problem, which is quite easy in the case of an amalgam tattoo.
There are treatment options available that we prescribe based on your needs and references. Some patients do not like surgical excision, and thus, we suggest laser treatment. We prioritize your comfort.
Conclusion
While an amalgam tattoo is harmless, patients seek amalgam tattoo removal for aesthetic or medical reasons. The procedure is generally safe, quick, and effective, with minimal downtime.
The blog has already discussed the treatment options and what you can expect. So, if you see any gray discoloration, do not hesitate and book an appointment with us today!