A beautiful smile can help you feel good about yourself and give you the confidence you need to let your lovely personality shine. Cosmetic dentistry has the potential to correct all sorts of aesthetic imperfections and help you love what you see in the mirror. Before you move forward with cosmetic services, though, your dentist might inform you that you need gum disease treatment. Why might that be the case? This blog post explains.
How Gum Disease Can Affect Your Smile
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the pink tissue that surrounds and supports your teeth. It is extremely common (approximately half of U.S. adults have it in some form), but it is also quite serious. Without timely treatment, gum disease could progress to the point where your teeth loosen and are in danger of falling out! In other words, gum disease could completely undo the results of any cosmetic service that you undergo.
Gum disease can also cause significant dental sensitivity because it can lead to gum recession. As the gums shrink, they expose the sensitive tooth roots beneath them. If you do not address your gum health prior to cosmetic services, you may experience significant discomfort.
Plus, it is worth mentioning that some of the details that you dislike about your smile may be a direct result of gum disease. This condition can cause your gums to look red, swollen, and puffy. Gum recession can make your teeth appear unusually long. This disease is also commonly associated with bad breath. Treating your condition could significantly improve the appearance of your smile!
What to Expect with Gum Disease Treatment and Cosmetic Services
In some cases, gum disease treatment is fairly simple and straightforward. You might need nothing more than a deep cleaning of your mouth and some coaching on oral hygiene. After you are free of active infections, you may be able to move forward with teeth whitening, veneers, or other cosmetic services.
If your gum disease is advanced, treatment may take longer and be more extensive. In some cases, surgery is even necessary to remove infected tissue. Once you recover from treatment and it seems like your oral health is stable, your dentist may decide that it is possible to start focusing on the aesthetic aspects of your smile.
Gum disease can delay your cosmetic dental services, but it does not have to stop you from achieving your ideal smile! Talk to your dentist to learn what you can expect throughout your treatment journey.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group is proud to provide comprehensive oral care for our community. If you are struggling with gum disease or simply want to enhance the appearance of your smile, we are ready to recommend your next steps. To learn more about us and how we may be able to serve you, get in touch with our Woodbridge office at 203-409-2535.