More than half of American adults will experience gum disease. This infection of the gum tissue requires prompt intervention from a dentist to treat and prevent severe, irreversible structural dental damage.
After your dentist gets rid of the infection, your smile may have some alterations from the gum disease that might need further evaluation to correct. Read on to learn about three cosmetic concerns that can arise from gum disease and how your dentist can resolve them.
3 Aesthetic Solutions Following Gum Disease
Reduce Puffiness in Gums
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, will often present as swelling, soreness, and bleeding in the gum tissue. Patients may feel uncomfortable with the puffy appearance of their gums when they have gum disease.
Fortunately, when dentists treat patients with gum disease, the swelling will reduce as the infection clears. A dentist will get rid of gum disease by first cleaning plaque from the smile, especially in the gum pockets. This precise cleaning method is known as scaling and root planing.
Dentists may also recommend using an antibacterial mouthwash to balance bacteria in the mouth. This lowers the chance of oral infections while also alleviating periodontal issues like puffiness in the tissue. Patients with a higher risk of this disease may need a prescription-strength mouthwash.
Fill Gaps in Your Smile
As gum tissue swells due to the infection from gum disease, the teeth may become loose or shift their position. When gum disease progresses, it also affects the jaw and tooth root, creating an even greater chance of teeth moving out of place in the mouth.
When a dentist treats gum disease, the gum tissue might return to normal if it has not suffered too much damage. But spacing issues in the smile may remain. You might notice black triangles, or spaces between teeth at the root of the tooth that close at the edges of the tooth.
Your dentist may use cosmetic tooth bonding to fill gaps that may have formed in the smile. They sculpt the tooth-colored resin according to your unique smile goals to get you the personalized cosmetic treatment you need. Ask your dentist for a cosmetic consultation to find the best way to restore the look of your smile.
Replace Missing Teeth
Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss around the world. This results from advanced infections deteriorating the teeth and jawbone so that a tooth will fall out of the socket.
This type of dental damage is irreversible. But while your dentist cannot replace the natural tooth, they can find a prosthetic solution that will suit your smile.
After a dentist treats gum disease and your mouth is otherwise healthy, your dentist can replace missing teeth with a permanent dental implant. This treatment will fully reconstruct your smile and also allow you to perform oral functions again. Your dentist can evaluate your smile and find the optimal restorative treatment to replace your teeth.