Gum disease affects about half of all American adults. This infection of the gum tissue requires intervention from a dentist to get rid of. Without prompt treatment, this disease can leave patients with irreversible dental damage.
Even after your dentist treats this infection, you may notice lingering effects on the look of your teeth and gums due to this disease. Though these problems might not fix themselves, you can consult with your dentist to restore your smile’s appearance. Read on to learn how you and your dentist can amend cosmetic issues in your smile after treating gum disease.
Reverse Puffy Gums
Gum disease does not always have noticeable symptoms at its onset. This is why dentists encourage patients to visit their offices for routine check-ups regularly. But many people with early stages of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, can experience visible symptoms.
These may include swelling and bleeding of the gum tissue. An infection will inflame the affected tissue, hence these symptoms. Fortunately, when your dentist treats the disease through thorough cleaning methods and antibacterial rinses, this will also reduce the puffy appearance of the gums. If the symptom lingers after the disease is gone, let your dentist know.
Realign Crooked Teeth
Swollen gums can impact your teeth as well. When gum disease progresses, bacteria will not only affect the gum tissue but also the tooth root and jawbone. The gums will swell and then recede away from the teeth.
This may make the teeth feel loose and cause them to shift their position in the mouth. They may then appear crooked or create gaps in the smile. They may also form black triangles, the name given to spacing issues where you can see partial gaps near the root of the teeth but not the outer edge.
Your dentist can realign crooked teeth using Invisalign. Patients can wear these plastic aligners as instructed to gradually shift teeth back to their straight position. This will improve the patient’s appearance as well as their oral health.
Replace Missing Teeth
As advanced gum disease deteriorates the teeth and jaw, a tooth may fall out of its socket. This type of dental damage leaves you with permanent damage to your smile. The resulting gaps in your smile where a tooth was lost will disrupt your smile’s appearance. But missing teeth can create further oral health complications too.
Your dentist can find an ideal tooth replacement solution for your unique smile once they eradicate your gum disease. Based on your jawbone health and your aesthetic goals, they will find a restorative dental treatment that can give you the best prosthetic for your dental scenario.
You may want a removable device like dentures to give you a fuller smile and enhanced oral function. Other patients with strong jawbones may want a fixed appliance like a dental implant. These will provide more oral health advantages and can last for twenty or more years with proper care.