Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, refers to an infection of the gum tissue that can advance and affect your jawbone, causing severe damage to your smile. Your dental professional will recommend prompt treatment to ensure any issues that may arise can be reversed.
However, gum disease can also lead to cosmetic alterations in your smile that may leave you dissatisfied with your appearance. Gwaltney Dental, a dentist’s office located in Suffolk, VA, lists three aesthetic concerns that can impact your teeth and gums if you contract periodontal disease.
3 Cosmetic Dental Concerns Caused by Gum Disease
Puffy Gum Tissue
Many individuals notice periodontal symptoms during the initial stage of gum disease, gingivitis. This occurs when bacteria infect the gum tissue, causing inflammation that results in swelling, bleeding, and tenderness in the gums.
These patients may feel self-conscious if their gums appear puffy and red in their smiles. However, these symptoms should fade once your dental professional eradicates the infection. In this early stage, they can accomplish this by thoroughly cleaning plaque and excess bacteria from your mouth, including deep in the gum pocket.
Spacing Disruptions Between Teeth
As gum disease progresses, it can reach the underlying tooth root, and the combination of swelling from the gums and their recession can affect the alignment of your teeth as they shift out of place. Patients may notice that their teeth have become crooked or that gaps have appeared between the teeth. Dental professionals refer to dark spaces between teeth that show when an individual smiles as black triangles.
When your dentist gets rid of the periodontal disease, you will likely still have spacing concerns in your smile. Your dentist can help you resolve these cosmetic issues by filling gaps with teeth bonding or straightening your teeth with Invisalign. You can get a customized cosmetic dental treatment plan by scheduling a consultation appointment at your dentist’s office.
Missing Teeth
The leading cause of missing teeth is gum disease, as advanced periodontitis can deteriorate bone in your teeth and jaw and cause the tooth to fall out of its socket. Tooth loss can disrupt your life and negatively impact the appearance of your smile.
While this type of damage is irreversible, you can discuss tooth replacement solutions with your dental professional. They can recommend affordable removable dentures to replace missing teeth.
Or you can pursue permanent restorative treatment with dental implants. Whether you have lost one, several, or an entire arch of teeth, your dentist can find an optimal replacement for your unique smile.
Find Treatment for Periodontal Disease in Suffolk, VA
Gwaltney Dental offers treatment for periodontal disease and other concerns in the teeth and gums to patients in Suffolk, VA. Our practice specializes in cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry, including tooth replacement solutions, for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with our team of experts, contact our office by phone at 757.982.8467 or reach a member of our staff online.