Gum disease, an infection in the gum tissue, affects about half of the population among American adults. It requires treatment from a dentist to get rid of, and during this time, bacteria can eat away at the gums, teeth, and jaw, leaving severe damage. This could mean your smile suffers from cosmetic flaws, even after the infection is gone.
You can schedule a consult with your dentist to treat these aesthetic issues. Read on to find three cosmetic concerns that may arise from gum disease and how your dentist can resolve these problems.
How to Fix Aesthetic Concerns After Gum Disease
Reduce Puffiness in Gums
The early stage of gum disease, gingivitis, often presents with inflammation in the gum tissue. This can make the gums sore, bleed, and swell. Not only does this feel uncomfortable, but patients might not like the puffy look of the gums.
When your dentist treats gum disease, they clean away excess bacteria and plaque. The swelling and other symptoms of this infection should fade after this therapy, returning gums to a healthy firm appearance.
Stubborn gum disease might need more targeted treatment, including gum surgery. Your dentist might also suggest using an antibacterial rinse to balance bacteria and keep infections at bay. This can also alleviate uncomfortable periodontal symptoms like puffiness.
Straighten Alignment Issues in Teeth
Swelling in the gums might cause your teeth to shift their positions. If your smile becomes crooked, overlapped, or gapped, these alignment changes can remain even after your dentist treats gum disease. Your dentist can evaluate your concerns and find the best cosmetic treatment option to restore the look of your smile.
Small gaps in the smile might benefit from dental bonding. In this treatment, a dentist will apply resin to the teeth and sculpt it according to your needs to give you a straighter and fuller smile.
If you have crooked teeth, your dentist might also suggest straightening them with Invisalign. The clear plastic custom aligners will gradually shift teeth into the straight position that best suits your smile. More severe malocclusions might need evaluation from an orthodontist.
Replace Missing Teeth
When gum disease progresses and affects the tooth root and jawbone, the tooth might fall out of its socket. In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss. You can discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist to restore your smile after this dental damage.
Missing teeth can lead to oral dysfunction, gaps in the smile, and further deterioration of the dental structure. So do not ignore missing teeth and talk to your dentist about restorative solutions.
You can find the most comprehensive benefits by replacing lost teeth with dental implants. Whether you have lost one, several, or an entire arch of teeth, your dentist can find a type of implant that will enhance your smile. Schedule an oral exam to learn if implant dentistry is the best option for your unique dental needs.