When it comes to achieving a beautiful smile, many people focus on cosmetic procedures like veneers, teeth whitening, or dental bonding. While these treatments can certainly enhance the appearance of your teeth, they rely on a foundation of good oral health. One critical aspect that is often overlooked is the condition of your gums. If you are dealing with periodontal (gum) disease, it’s essential to address it before starting any cosmetic dental work.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
There are three recognized stages of gum disease:
- Gingivitis: This is the earliest stage of gum disease. In this stage, gums may become inflamed and bleed easily when brushing or flossing, caused by plaque buildup along the gumline. Symptoms can be managed in this stage with improved oral hygiene and professional cleanings by your dentist.
- Moderate Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to this second stage where the infection spreads to the bone and connective tissues that support your teeth. Gums may start to recede, forming pockets around the teeth where bacteria and plaque can hide. Symptoms include chronic bad breath, persistent inflammation, and pain.
- Advanced Periodontitis: In this final stage, significant bone and tissue loss occurs, leading to tooth loosening and potential loss. The infection can spread to other parts of the body, too. Aggressive treatment, such as tooth extraction or surgery, may be necessary to save the remaining teeth.
Why Gum Health Comes First
Before investing in cosmetic dentistry, your gums must be healthy. Here’s why:
- Stable foundation: Cosmetic procedures are designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth, but they won’t last if the underlying structure isn’t sound. Unhealthy gums and bone loss can cause teeth to shift or fall out, undoing all the work of your cosmetic treatment.
- Better aesthetic results: Swollen, inflamed, or receding gums can affect the final appearance of cosmetic treatments. Healthy gums frame the teeth attractively and contribute to a natural-looking smile.
- Prevent complications: If periodontal disease is present during cosmetic procedures, the infection can spread or worsen, leading to more serious dental issues and possibly the failure of cosmetic restorations.
What Periodontal Treatment Involves
Treating periodontal disease depends on the severity of the infection. For mild to moderate cases, a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing may be enough. This non-surgical procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces to help the gums reattach to the teeth.
In more advanced cases, surgical treatments may be necessary to remove infected tissue, regenerate bone, or reshape the gums. Your dentist or periodontist will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
While it can be tempting to jump straight into cosmetic enhancements, taking the time to treat periodontal disease first is a wise investment in your smile’s future. A healthy mouth supports long-lasting and beautiful cosmetic results. Treat your gums first – your smile will thank you!
About the Author
Dr. Cornelia Dadaciu is a graduate of the Nova Southeastern University School of Dentistry. She has completed advanced courses focused on implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and occlusion. For more than 20 years, Dr. Dadaciu has helped patients improve and maintain their oral health while building long-term relationships along the way. If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry, you can enjoy the convenience of a dental office that’s open 7 days a week and offers financing to help your dreams of beauty come true. Schedule your appointment with us online or call our Delray Beach office at (561) 404-4804.