The Ins and Outs of Smile Rejuvenation: Getting Cosmetic Treatment with Gum Disease

Gum disease is one of the most common dental health issues in the world, estimated to impact one out of every two adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While this chronic dental problem can affect your smile’s health, it doesn’t have to be the reason why you can’t invest in beautifying your grin with cosmetic dentistry. Read on to learn the ins and outs of getting cosmetic dentistry if you have gum disease.

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can erode and damage the supportive tissues and bone surrounding teeth. There are two stages of gum disease—gingivitis is the early stage of the infection which can often be treated and reversed, and periodontitis is the later stage of the infection, which can be managed.

Gum disease can lead to a variety of symptoms and secondary oral health problems. Some of the most common signs of this disease include:

• Inflamed, red, and puffy gums.
• Bleeding gums while brushing and flossing.
• Gums that feel tender.
• Pockets of pus located between the teeth and gums.
• Difficulty and discomfort chewing.
• Loose teeth or tooth loss.
• Receding gums that make teeth appear longer.
• A change in bite.

Additionally, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Because of this, dentists try to spot and treat the signs as early as possible to preserve the health and function of their patients’ smiles.

Can Gum Disease Keep You from Getting Cosmetic Dentistry?

If your gum disease is left untreated, it can actively be causing your oral health to decline and put you at risk for tooth loss. Because of this, you won’t be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry right away. However, with treatment, your cosmetic dentist can help control and even reverse your symptoms to ensure that you will be able to enjoy your smile improvements. Plus, certain cosmetic treatment results can make it more difficult to spot the signs of gum disease, meaning although your grin will look beautiful, its health will be suffering.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

If your cosmetic dentist in Glastonbury notices any signs of gum disease, they may recommend one of these treatment options:

• Scaling and root planing, also known as a deep cleaning, is a two-step treatment that helps minimize the presence of infection-causing bacteria within the mouth. First, your dentist will clear away all plaque and tartar from the teeth. They’ll then smooth the roots of the teeth by removing hardened deposits of bacteria. This will allow the gum tissue to healthily reattach to the tooth and protect the roots.
• Antibiotic therapy involves placing a special gel in the gum pockets to target the source of the infection. This will help minimize inflammation and fight off harmful oral bacteria.

After your dentist gives your smile a clean bill of health, you’ll be ready to start discussing your cosmetic treatment options. Although it may feel a little frustrating having to delay your transformation, it will be well worth it to know that your smile is not only more beautiful, but also healthier when everything’s said and done.

About the Practice

At Glastonbury Dental Associates, our team is comprised of four highly experience and compassionate dentists. Together, they’re dedicated to providing patients with high-quality, thorough, and trustworthy care, whether they’re coming to the practice for cosmetic or preventive services. For questions or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call 860-633-3671.