Will Gum Disease Affect Veneers?

When your Tampa, FL dentist examines you to see if you’re a good candidate for dental veneers, they’re looking for overall healthy teeth and gums. Remember, dental veneers are not a form of treatment, although they can address certain issues of the teeth. Veneers are a purely cosmetic “fix,” though. They fix appearance, not underlying problems. For instance, veneers fix a smile so that gaps, permanent stains and other certain imperfections are hidden behind the veneers. When it comes to serious conditions such as gum disease, dental veneers and gum disease don’t mix well.

Problems With Gum Disease

Gum disease, also called periodontitis, is a serious condition where the gums of the mouth are infected with bacteria. It’s serious because gum disease often makes teeth loose and—untreated—can end up with permanent tooth loss. This is something that no dental veneers, no matter how beautiful they are, can address.

Gum Disease and Dental Veneers

Your dentist will need to treat any existing gum disease before applying veneers. But in the end, after your teeth and gums are free from periodontitis, you can enjoy the more attractive appearance made possible with the veneers.

If you develop gum disease after the dental veneers are in place, the sad fact is that the veneers can’t protect your teeth or gums. Again, they’re only there for cosmetic purposes. If you don’t get your gum disease treated, your affected teeth may loosen and fall out, just as they would if you had no dental veneers at all. And in a scenerio like that, you’d be looking at restorative—not cosmetic solutions.

If you have dental veneers in Tampa, FL, or you’re thinking of getting dental veneers, it’s important to visit your dentist for routine dental exams. Contact us today to start!

4 Signs Your Gums Aren’t Healthy

Healthy gums help keep your teeth in place while providing protection for your jaw. Over time, gums can become unhealthy. There are many reasons that your gums can become unhealthy.

From poor brushing habits to an inadequate oral hygiene routine, there are many things that can cause gums to become damaged and inflamed over time. Your dentist in Tampa, FL can help. At Elevate Smiles Dentistry, we provide treatment to help our patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

1. Gums Bleed When You Brush Your Teeth

It’s not normal for gums to bleed when you’re doing things like brushing your teeth or flossing. If your gums bleed when you’re engaging in everyday activities, this could be a sign that there’s something wrong with your gums. Record when this is happening and how often. Let your dentist know the next time you visit their office.

2. Gums Feel Painful or Uncomfortable

Most people don’t notice their gums most of the time. If your gums feel painful or uncomfortable, this could be a sign that you have gum disease. It could also be a sign of a dental problem like a tooth infection, depending on the nature of the pain.

3. Gums Are Red, Inflamed and Puffy

Typically, gums are either light pink, brown, or black. If your gums look dark pink or red, this could be a sign of gum disease. You may also notice that your gums are inflamed and puffy.

4. Gums Are Receding

Gum recession is a problem that can lead to loose permanent teeth and even tooth loss. If your gums are receding, it’s important to get that problem under control.

Do you need gum disease treatment in Tampa, FL? Call Elevate Smiles Dental today.