Millions of Americans are unhappy with their smiles. In many cases, it’s because their teeth have issues like staining, discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and misalignment. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you no longer have to live with a grin you don’t love. However, if you suffer from gum disease, you’ll have to put your transformation on hold until you seek treatment. Read on to find out why!
What is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that can destroy the jawbone. If you fail to seek treatment, it can significantly affect your oral health, resulting in the loss of teeth, bone, and gum tissues. Gum disease is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows plaque to build up on the teeth, leading to an infection. It’s known to increase your risk of more systemic illnesses, including heart disease and stroke. Although periodontal therapy is usually all that’s needed to get the infection under control, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing depending on the severity of your case.
Will Gum Disease Prevent You from Getting Cosmetic Dental Work?
Yes, gum disease can prevent you from getting cosmetic dental work. Before you can move forward with treatment, the infection must be completely eradicated. As mentioned earlier, your dentist might recommend periodontal therapy or scaling and root planing to address the problem. Once the infection is under control, any remaining oral health issues (like decayed, broken, or missing teeth) can be treated. Keep in mind that it could take several months to successfully eradicate gum disease. However, once you’re done with treatment, you can start working on your smile makeover!
Why You Need Gum Disease Treatment Before Cosmetic Dental Work
Patients who suffer from gum disease should ask their dentist about their treatment options. Since certain cosmetic dental services (i.e., porcelain veneers) make it difficult to identify cavities or other diseases, your smile must be completely free of infection before you move forward with cosmetic dental work. Additionally, certain dental problems can’t be addressed until the infection is under control. In a nutshell, your teeth and gums need to be in their very best shape before you can take advantage of cosmetic dental work.
As you can see, you do need gum disease therapy before you can even consider cosmetic dentistry. With the help of your dentist, your gums will be in good health in no time, and you can start working towards achieving the smile of your dreams!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Howard has over 34 years of dentistry experience under his belt. He is the first dentist In North San Diego County to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) – only 466 dentists worldwide have achieved this award! If you’re unhappy with your smile, Dr. Howard offers multiple cosmetic services to transform your look into one you can proudly show off. To make an appointment, visit his website or contact his office.