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Can I Get Cosmetic Work Done if I Have Periodontal Disease?

September 29, 2020

Filed under: Uncategorized — drpettigrew @ 12:45 am
Woman with gum disease

Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile! After all, you show it off every day. If you aren’t confident about your smile, you should know that there are all sorts of cosmetic options out there that may help you reach the goals you have for your teeth. However, before you can consider cosmetic dentistry options, its important that your smile is as healthy as possible for the best results. Continue reading to learn more from your dentist in Southlake about the signs that you may have gum disease and why it’s important that you get it under control before cosmetic treatment.

What Are the Signs of Periodontal Disease?

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is the result of infections and inflammation of the gums and bones that surround and support the teeth. If left untreated, it can progress to more severe stages and lead to tooth loss. Here are some common symptoms of periodontal disease:

  • Red, swollen gums
  • Tender or bleeding gums
  • Painful chewing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Receding gums
  • Loose teeth

What Is Periodontal Treatment?

Non-surgical periodontal treatment involves using very thin ultrasonic instruments to break up buildups of plaque and bacteria along the gumline. Often times, your dentist will use antibiotic therapy using a special antimicrobial that further sterilizes the area in order to kill harmful bacteria. Repeat gum disease treatment is necessary a lot of the time to completely resolve the condition.

Another technique that can be used is something called DNA saliva testing. This is beneficial because it identifies the particular bacteria that is causing the infection. This allows your dentist to prescribe you the type of antibiotic that works the best. The entire process involves no injections.

Why Do I Need Periodontal Treatment Before Cosmetic Work?

Gum disease needs to be completely eradicated before you can have dental work complete. This is because certain procedures, like the placement of porcelain veneers, can make it more difficult to detect cavities and disease. This could lead to the progression of these issues and could require additional treatment later on. Once it is confirmed that the disease has been eliminated, you can start working towards your future cosmetic work.

If you want to enhance your smile but have periodontal disease, talk to your dentist about gum disease treatment in Southlake. Once the issue is resolved and your mouth is healthy again, you will be able to continue working towards the smile of your dreams.

About the Author

Dr. J. Lee Pettigrew provides numerous services, including periodontal treatment, at his practice in Southlake, TX. He earned his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and has been in practice for over three decades. He is a member of multiple professional organizations including the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Southwest Academy of Restorative Dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (817) 481-4888.

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