Suffering From Periodontitis? Options For Restoring Your Smile

Most people understand the importance of brushing, flossing, and getting professional dental cleanings. Not only are these tasks necessary for the look of your smile, but they are also important for the underlying health of your mouth, teeth, and gums. Of course, many people develop dental disorders even though they feel they are practicing good oral hygiene. Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease, which affects the gum tissue, teeth, and the actual bone supporting your teeth. Because it is a progressive disease, treatment involving antibiotics and a scaling procedure to remove tartar and bacteria from the teeth and gums is recommended to prevent further damage.

Unfortunately, your teeth may become loose due to the loss of gum tissue and bone in the jaw. In addition, periodontitis can cause you to lose one or more teeth, affecting your appearance and the function of your smile. After treating your periodontitis, you can restore your smile back to a healthy and appealing state. Here are a few restoration options to consider.

Gum Tissue Graft

Gum disease can infect a large portion of your gum tissue, causing them to swell, bleed, and become discolored. Most patients also see their gums recede, meaning they pull back from the teeth. This recession of your gums makes your teeth look larger and longer, while exposing the tooth roots. Allowing the roots to be open and exposed increases the risk of sensitivity, pain, and further dental concerns as food and bacteria make contact with the tooth roots.

A soft-tissue graft can restore receding gums back to normal while protecting the underlying health of your teeth and gums. During the procedure, tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and is surgically placed onto the damaged, receding areas of your gums. Your dentist or oral surgeon may also suggest taking tissue from a tissue bank as opposed to using tissue from inside your mouth. You will be under general anesthesia during the procedure, ensuring you do not experience any pain or anxiety during the grafting process.

Dental Implants

Losing teeth is a common problem in patients with periodontitis. Thankfully, you can create a full, functional smile using dental implants once your gum disease is treated.

It is important to remember that placing implants is not a quick and easy process. To get started, your dentist will take molds of your mouth and existing teeth, which are sent off to a lab to fabricate the crowns for your implants.

Then, a titanium rod is surgically placed into the jaw in the location of your missing tooth or teeth. This rod will require a period of time to fuse into the jaw bone. Known as osseointegration, the fusion of the implant into the bone can take between 3 and 6 months.

After healing, your dentist will fit the implant with the crown, which will serve as your new tooth. Although artificial, crowns are designed to look like your natural teeth. This enhances the look of your smile while also restoring your mouth.

Many people believe the misconception that implants are resistant to decay and gum disease. While they will not erode in the same manner as your natural teeth, the implant and crown are susceptible to decay and disease.

Continue brushing and flossing as normal to reduce the risk of plaque and bacteria. Also, regular visits to your dentist for cleanings and exams are still recommended even after you have restored your smile with dental implants.

Periodontitis may not be a life-threatening condition, but it can threaten the look and function of your mouth, teeth, and gums. This guide will help you restore your smile after a successful treatment for this stage of gum disease. 


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