Before you dive into cosmetic dental treatments to enhance your smile, there’s a crucial step to consider: periodontal therapy. This is key for patients who have gum disease, which is an incredibly common oral health condition. But why do you need to have is treated before you can move forward with enhancing your smile? Keep reading as we explore why addressing gum disease is essential before undergoing cosmetic procedures.
What is gum disease?
Poor oral hygiene practices often lead to gum disease, characterized by a gum infection. However, factors such as hormonal changes, medical conditions (like cancer and HIV), medications reducing saliva production, smoking, and genetic predisposition can also contribute to the development of gum disease.
The first stage, called gingivitis, is marked by inflamed gums that bleed easily during brushing. If left untreated, it can advance to a more serious form known as periodontitis. Additionally, the infection may spread through the bloodstream, raising the risk of cardiovascular problems or strokes.
How Gum Disease Can Impact the Look of Your Smile
Periodontitis can lead to gum recession, frequent bleeding, and redness and swelling in the gums. These symptoms may result in teeth appearing larger due to increased enamel exposure. Furthermore, as gums and bone pull away from the teeth, pockets form, collecting debris and causing infections. Prolonged neglect can ultimately result in tooth loss as the teeth are no longer securely anchored.
Gum Disease Treatment Options
Treating gum disease is essential before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedures, as untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other health complications. An effective treatment approach is scaling and root planing.
Scaling and root planing are effective treatments for gum disease, targeting the removal of bacteria and plaque buildup around the gums and tooth roots. Scaling eliminates buildup around the gums, while root planing reshapes tooth roots, preventing future plaque accumulation.
Maintaining optimal gum health is foundational to achieving successful cosmetic dental procedures. If you’re considering cosmetic interventions, ensuring healthy gums through treatments like scaling and root planing sets the stage for a beautiful and lasting smile!
About the Practice
Dr. M. Kent Smith and his skilled team in Edmond are dedicated to enhancing your smile by addressing concerns, like cracks, gaps, misshapen teeth, stained teeth, chips, and minor alignment issues. With expertise in gum disease treatment, we excel in services such as scaling and root planing, antibiotic therapies, and soft tissue laser treatments to eliminate infections. For appointments or further details on gum disease treatment, feel free to contact Dr. M. Kent Smith’s office at (405) 451-1512 or visit their website.