How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Save a Smile After Gum Disease

Cosmetic dentistry can help to replace or restore teeth that have been damaged by periodontal disease. Gum disease is one of the most common issues dentists deal with, and it affects about 70% of people. Its more advanced form called periodontal disease affects about 30% of people over 30.

Gum disease is a major dental issue that requires immediate treatment. The earlier stage called gingivitis can be easily reversed by improving oral hygiene and getting teeth cleaned, but the more advanced stage is irreversible. It damages the bone structures that support teeth, and it can lead to problems like:

• Bad breath
• Tender, swollen or red gums
• Teeth falling out
• Loose teeth
• Diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease
• It can lead to pregnant women having premature babies

How cosmetic dentistry restores smiles after gum disease

Those who are dealing with periodontal disease or have dealt with it in the past will be happy to know there are cosmetic dentistry treatments that can restore smiles that have been damaged by the disease. Here are some of the treatments that are commonly used to restore smiles:

1. Dental implants

Implants are a great way to replace teeth that have fallen out due to gum disease. Implants replace the roots of lost teeth, and that preserves the patient's jawbone. It prevents their facial appearance from changing because of their jawbone deteriorating due to missing teeth.

An implant is a screw or rod that is inserted into bone tissue in the jaw. It serves as an artificial root and transfers bite forces to the jaw, keeping it properly stimulated. Implants fuse with the bone tissues surrounding them, making them virtually as stable as a real tooth. The process is completed by attaching a dental crown, bridge or dentures to the implant once it has fully fused.

2. Dental crowns

Crowns can be used to repair teeth that have had their structures damaged by gum disease. The crown serves as a cap that covers the visible part of the tooth. It can be matched with the shape, size and color of the patient's teeth so it blends in. Crowns also provide therapeutic benefits since they restore the bite function of the tooth, protect it from irritants like oral bacteria and protect it from further damage.

The process of getting a dental crown requires the removal of enamel. This creates a better fit for the crown. It also means the tooth will always need to be protected with an oral restoration moving forward.

3. Dentures

Dentures are typically recommended for those who have lost most of their teeth due to gum disease. The dentures rest on the wearer's gums and restore the appearance and function of their lost teeth. Dentures also happen to be the most economical way to replace missing teeth and can be combined with implants to preserve the patient's jaw.

You can still have an amazing smile

Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you can battle gum disease and end up with a smile that was better than what you started with. Call or visit our Marietta clinic to learn more about how we can fix your teeth after gum disease.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.

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