Achieving any goal usually comes down to following the right steps in the right order. Skipping ahead or putting something important off can end up working against you later on. The same is true for your smile! If a picture-perfect grin is what you’re after, there may be a few things to address first. For instance, if you’re dealing with gum disease, it’s important to treat it before moving forward with any cosmetic dental procedures. Here’s why doing so can give you comfortable results.
What Is Gum Disease?
Periodontal disease, or simply gum disease, is an infection in the soft tissues of your mouth. About half of American adults over 30 are living with this condition, and it’s the leading cause of tooth loss among adults worldwide.
This condition can develop when plaque builds up along the gumline and can gradually affect the jawbone. Left untreated, the bacteria can even contribute to issues elsewhere in the body, including the heart, brain, and blood sugar regulation.
How Can Gum Disease Affect My Smile?
Healthy gums are typically firm and pink, but periodontal disease can make them red, swollen, and prone to bleeding. As the condition progresses, the soft tissues can begin pulling away from the teeth, making them appear longer than normal. Over time, as inflammation weakens the jawbone, teeth can loosen and possibly fall out. This can then contribute to sunken cheeks or increased wrinkles around your mouth.
All of the above can then take away from your smile’s appearance, meaning you may not enjoy the results you get from cosmetic dental treatments.
Can My Dentist Treat Gum Disease?
Your dentist is here to ensure gum disease doesn’t cause much trouble for you. A common treatment for it is a scaling and root planing, or deep cleaning. Bacteria beneath your gumline will be removed, and the roots will be smoothed out to make it harder for plaque to reattach. Antibiotic treatment is often used with this service as it can remove any remaining germs, letting you heal more smoothly.
Laser periodontal treatment may also be available. This uses state-of-the-art technology that emits a small beam of light to remove diseased tissue. It also cauterizes your gumline, so you can restore your gum health faster and more comfortably.
While improving the look of your smile might be the ultimate goal, your mouth first needs to be healthy enough to support your desired results. Gum disease can cause plenty of complications, but you can avoid them with a consultation. That way, you get the aesthetic look you dream of and enjoy it without worries.
About the Practice
We are here at Bradford Dental Care to help patients in Haverhill get the healthy grins they deserve. With a wide range of treatments, including ones to handle gum disease, you can get rid of dental problems that threaten your smile.
Led by Dr. Thomas Bower and Dr. Yuneisy Vazquez, we can then transform your teeth and help them look their best with cosmetic services. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call our office at 978-372-0600.