From small gaps in your grin to oddly shaped pearly whites, all smiles have their quirks. Though our smiles are part of what makes all of us special, there may come a time when you want to make improvements to yours. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers a solution. Though it’s a good fit for many people, those who have gum disease will need to have it treated before they move forward. Read on to learn why gum disease therapy is necessary before you have your smile improved by a cosmetic dentist.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that is often brought on by a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria due to improper oral hygiene. Most of the adult population has a mild form of this infection, and it’s characterized by red, swollen, or tender gums that bleed when brushing or flossing. Left untreated, gum disease will progress into a more serious infection called periodontitis. Symptoms of this include loose teeth, pockets forming along the gum line, gum recession, and tooth loss.
Why Treat Gum Disease Before Cosmetic Dental Work?
Receiving gum disease therapy before you move forward with cosmetic dental work is key to avoiding issues down the line. Cosmetic procedures like porcelain veneers make it difficult to detect infections and cavities, so your smile needs to be free of these issues before you proceed. If you have a severe case, it may take several months to treat it. Once your gums are healthy again, your cosmetic dentist will help you decide what treatment will help you achieve your dream smile.
How Gum Disease Is Treated
Brushing twice and flossing once per day as well as regular dental cleanings are usually enough to prevent gum disease. Diligent home oral healthcare and extra dental cleanings can generally be used to get early gum disease under control. More advanced gum disease may need to be treated with scaling and root planning. This treatment starts with the removal of plaque and tartar around the gum line. The roots of the teeth are then slightly reshaped to prevent future buildups and lower your risk of reinfection. This may take several visits depending on the situation. For extreme situations, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Though gum disease can prevent you from moving forward with your new smile, it’s easy to prevent and treat if caught early on. By taking good care of your smile at home and visiting your dentist every six months for checkups and cleaning, you can avoid the need for gum disease therapy and be on your way to the gorgeous, healthy grin of your dreams!
About the Practice
If you live in the Naples area and need an exceptional dentist to help you perfect your pearly whites, look no further than Dr. Jeffrey Skupny and the rest of the Island Coast Dentistry team. They offer a range of cosmetic dental treatments to help you reach your smile goals, including porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, teeth whitening, and Invisalign. If you have gum disease, they can also administer treatment to get your smile back on track. To make an appointment or for more information on gum disease therapy and cosmetic dentistry, call them at (239) 261-5566 or visit their website.