Will Gum Disease Stop You from Having Cosmetic Work Done?
Have you been bothered by the appearance of your smile for a while now? Chances are you’re more than ready to ask your periodontist for a cosmetic solution. But before you can begin your smile makeover, your oral health needs to be taken into account. If you have gum disease, you won’t be able to move forward with any cosmetic procedures until the problem has been properly addressed. Your periodontist in Tallahassee can explain how gum disease affects your entire mouth and what it means when it comes to making changes to your smile.
What Happens if You Have Gum Disease?
Gum disease usually starts off small. In fact, many people don’t even realize they have it until a dentist or periodontist tells them! But if steps aren’t taken to get it under control, it can lead a loss of bone and gum tissue. In the worst-case scenario, your teeth might start to come out because the tissues holding them in place have been badly damaged. As such, as soon as any signs of gum disease are found, you need to make it a priority to get it under control, which can be done with improved oral hygiene and periodontal treatments such as scaling and root planing.
Can You Have Cosmetic Work Done While You Have Gum Disease?
It’s highly recommended that you put off any cosmetic work until your gum disease has been completely stopped. Aside from the obvious fact that your smile’s health is more important than its appearance, there’s also the fact that the soreness associated with gum disease can make cosmetic procedures very uncomfortable. In short, it’s best to wait until your mouth is free of infection before you ask your periodontist to start making aesthetic changes to your teeth.
When Will You Be Ready for Cosmetic Treatment?
It’s impossible to give an exact timeframe for how long your periodontal treatment will last, but it usually takes several months and multiple periodontal visits before gum disease is eliminated. Your periodontist will need to perform a full examination of your mouth and confirm that the condition has successfully been controlled before moving on to any cosmetic work.
It’s important to have a periodontist you can trust to help you make the right decisions for your smile under all circumstances, no matter if you’re just looking to make cosmetic improvements or have a few more serious issues that need to be addressed. Get in touch with your periodontal practice today to set up a consultation where you can discuss your smile’s needs in more detail.