Cosmetic dentistry makes it possible for patients with multiple imperfections to embrace a new kind of smile, one that is beautiful, flawless, and one-of-a-kind. However, before teeth can be whitened or veneers placed, a dentist must evaluate your smile to determine whether it is healthy enough to undergo aesthetic-based treatment. If gum disease or similar problems exist, they must be addressed first; here’s why.
What is Gum Disease?
When bacteria accumulate and attack the soft oral tissues that help hold your teeth in place, it causes plaque and tartar to form on teeth and around the gumline. Eventually, infection can spread beneath the gums, creating pockets that trap food debris and bacteria. Without treatment, it can reach the bone and start to weaken it, resulting in loose teeth that fall out.
How Can Gum Disease Impact Your Smile?
Failing to treat gum disease can do more than cause oral health problems; it can also impact your smile. For example, your gums may turn red and begin to bleed when you brush and floss. Also, gum recession will expose more of your tooth roots, which can be problematic because sensitivity is likely to increase.
Also, you may notice that your teeth start to shift or become loose because of a worsening infection that is targeting the underlying jawbone.
In the worst-case scenario, you may start to lose one or more teeth, depending on how severe your gum disease is. As a result, moving forward with cosmetic treatment is impossible, as you will find yourself spending more money to fix these issues.
Why is Gum Disease Care Necessary Before Cosmetic Treatment?
Addressing gum disease before starting cosmetic treatment is essential, especially since these treatments require healthy, stable gums to ensure successful results.
Veneers can make it harder to detect underlying problems because they are crafted to cover imperfections and sit against the gumline. However, if these soft tissues recede, your veneers will become more noticeable, making others realize they are not your natural teeth. Also, if your gums become swollen, your veneers may appear uneven.
If you have your teeth whitened, your gums may become irritated and highly sensitive during treatment.
Regardless of the type of cosmetic treatment you choose, failing to address gum disease first will likely make your new smile short-lived, as you will need additional care to improve your oral health.
Give your beautiful smile the best chance to survive and thrive by agreeing to let your dentist treat gum disease beforehand. Doing so will ensure you continue to enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more radiant appearance.
About the Author
Dr. Renee Corbitt treats patients of all ages and has been practicing dentistry since earning her dental degree in 1986. Offering cosmetic dentistry to improve smiles plagued by imperfections, she works closely with patients to ensure their oral health is in optimal shape before administering treatment. If you want to whiten your teeth but are currently experiencing gum disease, contact us at (817) 294–8821 to schedule an appointment.