As cosmetic dentistry options that can fix the look of damaged or stained teeth, dental veneers can help restore the smile of patients with gum disease. Many are able to get this treatment when the disease is under control. However, gingivitis or periodontitis is different for every patient. One patient may have a disease that is relatively easy to treat, while another may struggle to get oral health under control even after trying several treatment options.
It is not necessarily that veneers make gum disease worse, but these restorations may interfere with treatment. Dentists who offer cosmetic procedures for patients generally prefer to work on healthy gums and teeth. Read on to discover when veneers are a possibility and when these cosmetic enhancements must be put on hold for the sake of the patient’s health.
Gums are integral parts of the human body that help people maintain good oral health. Unfortunately, these tissues are often overlooked and ignored until disease sets in. Healthy gums support the teeth and house a number of beneficial as well as harmful bacteria. Here is what can happen when the harmful bacteria get out of control:
The mild form of gum disease is referred to as “gingivitis". The first warning sign a patient may experience is bleeding gums while brushing teeth. There may be no symptoms at all until the disease is more advanced.
While mild gingivitis may not seem like a concern, patients with gum disease are at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, which are three major health problems worldwide. It is ideal to get gingivitis under control as soon as possible, even if it does not seem severe.
As gum disease progresses, patients may notice bad breath and visibly swollen gums that bleed when patients brush and floss. Other people may also realize their teeth appear to be growing, which happens when the gums shrink as the disease gets worse.
Gums may also loosen and create “pockets” around the teeth, which can be incredibly painful. Patients may experience loose teeth due to a combination of the gums becoming unstable and separating from the teeth.
If a patient has severe gum disease that involves gums bleeding, swelling, and separating from the teeth, their mouth is likely not a candidate for veneers in this state. Porcelain and composite veneers fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry, which means that these devices improve appearance but are not necessary for the health of the patient. Unfortunately, patients must put cosmetic treatments on hold until the gum disease is treated.
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A dentist can create a treatment plan for the patient to help halt or even reverse the gum disease. Patients with mild gingivitis may be able to use special kinds of toothpaste, rinses, or mouthwashes. The dentist will monitor the condition closely. Each patient is different; many with mild gum disease will recover, at which point they can have a conversation with the dentist about receiving veneers.
Request an appointment or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at 803-567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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