Can you imagine having a home that looks pristine on the outside but is in disarray on the inside, even when your in-laws are coming over? Surely there are houses like that which exist, yet it would make more sense to focus on the inside first since you are there more often. Spinning that into a dental context, pondering a cosmetic dentistry procedure while you have gum disease is a case of priorities getting out of order. Keep reading to learn from your cosmetic dentist in Mission Viejo what gum disease is, how it can impact your smile, and why it should be the first issue to address.
Why Is It a Big Deal If I Have Gum Disease?
Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It’s typically caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow plaque to build up on the teeth and harden. In advanced stages, it can lead to bleeding gums, painful chewing problems, and even tooth loss.
There are several risk factors for gum disease, but smoking is the most significant and can make treating it less successful. Other risk factors include diabetes, hormonal changes in women, medications that cause dry mouth, certain illnesses like AIDS, as well as genetic susceptibility.
How Will I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
There are visible symptoms of gum disease including gums that are red, swollen, or bleeding, as well as receding gums that make teeth appear longer. Some symptoms that can’t be seen include persistent bad breath and teeth that are loose or sensitive, but tooth loss can eventually occur.
Why Would Cosmetic Dentistry with Gum Disease Be Problematic?
Certain cosmetic procedures such as the placement of porcelain veneers can make it more difficult to detect cavities or disease, so it is essential that your smile is free from infection before starting your smile makeover with cosmetic procedures. It may take a few months to treat your gum disease, depending on how severe it is, but disregarding it to focus on a cosmetic procedure would be putting the cart before the horse.
After all, if gum disease can eventually progress to tooth loss, why would you spend money on a treatment that’s clearly at risk of failure? Not unlike the importance of building a house on a solid foundation, the health of your teeth and gums is priority number one before you turn your attention to their appearance.
Upon an initial consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Mission Viejo, they can check to see if you have any issues that need to be addressed – including gum disease – before you attempt to schedule a cosmetic procedure. Once you are deemed healthy, both of you can focus on your custom treatment plan to enhance the look and function of your smile!
About the Author
Dr. Sienna Palmer earned her dental doctorate from the distinguished Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. A member of the American Dental Association, she is working toward a fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Palmer offers gum disease therapy, plus she is a cosmetic dentist for treatments like porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and gum recontouring. She can check for signs of gum disease during a cosmetic dentistry consultation, which you can schedule on her website or by calling (949) 365-0951.