Cosmetic Treatments for Periodontitis: Restoring Your Smile and Confidence

Gum disease is a quiet thief. It often starts with a little bit of blood in the sink when you brush, something many people ignore. But as it moves from simple gum redness into more serious periodontitis, it does more than just hurt your health; it changes the way you look. It can cause your gums to pull away, your teeth to look longer, and even create dark gaps between your teeth that weren't there before.

At CharlottePerio, we know that healthy gums are the foundation of a great smile. When you deal with advanced gum disease, the goal is always to stop the infection first. But once the infection is gone, you are often left with the damage. That is where cosmetic gum treatments come in.

If you have been looking for a dentist in Charlotte, NC, to help you get your confidence back after gum disease, you are in the right place. Let's talk about how we can fix the side effects of periodontitis and get you smiling again.

How Periodontitis Changes Your Look

Periodontitis is a serious infection that hurts the soft tissue and the bone that holds your teeth in place. While the internal damage is a big health risk, the changes people can see can really hurt your self-esteem.

Gums Pulling Away

As the infection gets worse, the gums pull back from the teeth. This shows the roots, which are usually a darker, more yellow color than the rest of the tooth. It makes your teeth look much longer than they should be.

Dark Gaps

When you lose the little points of gum tissue between your teeth, you are left with small, dark, triangular holes. These aren't just an eye-sore; they also trap food, which can lead to more tooth decay and bad breath.

Fixing Your Smile After Gum Disease

Once your gum disease is under control, we can start looking at how to fix the look of your smile. At CharlottePerio, we focus on treatments that look natural and feel good.

Gum Grafting

If your gums have pulled back and left your roots showing, a gum graft is the best fix. We take a tiny bit of tissue and carefully place it over the areas that have thinned out. This covers the roots, stops them from being so sensitive, and makes your gum line look healthy again.

Reshaping the Gums

Sometimes, gum disease causes the gums to heal in an uneven way, making your smile look crooked. We can reshape the gum and bone levels to show more of your natural tooth and make your smile look even and straight.

Replacing Teeth Lost to Gum Disease

As periodontists, our goal is to save teeth. Unfortunately, in some cases, gum disease causes teeth to fall out. Missing teeth can cause you to lose function when eating and speaking and make your face look older as the bone that previously surrounded the tooth begins to quickly reshape during healing. This results in a horizontal and vertical “dip” in the bone that can change the shape of a person’s face. Lips and cheeks collapse inward, and the chin protrudes outward, leading to premature aging in the face. You can also find it hard to eat or speak.

Dental Implants

If you have lost a tooth, a dental implant is the best way to fix your smile. Dental implants stabilize the bone and prevent bone loss. They look and act just like real teeth. The bone bonds to the implant, creating a strong foundation to support tooth replacement options. At CharlottePerio, our board-certified periodontists specialize in implants and will provide a thorough evaluation to make sure your gums and bone are healthy enough to hold the implant so it stays strong for years.

Bone Grafting

If gum disease has eaten away at your bone, you might not have enough bone left to support an implant. We can perform a bone graft to rebuild that area, making it possible to support the implant and provide permanent replacement teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get cosmetic work done while I still have gum disease?

A: No. At CharlottePerio, we always put your health first. If we do cosmetic work while there is still an infection, the results won't last, and the problem will get worse. We have to treat gum disease first so that we start with a healthy foundation.

Q: Do these procedures hurt?

A: Our patients’ comfort is always a top priority. We use local anesthetic and offer a range of sedation options to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your procedure. Most patients tell us that the healing process is much easier than they expected. Our team at CharlottePerio is here to help you every step of the way.

Q: How much does it cost?

A: Costs vary by treatment. Our doctors always have the patient’s best interests in mind and will answer any questions you may have. We tailor each treatment plan to the patient and review all fees before treatment so you know exactly what to expect.

Q: How do I find the right dentist in Charlotte, NC?

A: You should look for someone with special training in gum health. General dentists do great work, but a periodontist has years of extra schooling specifically for the gums and bone. CharlottePerio’s board-certified periodontists remain at the forefront of current advances in dental technology through a commitment to continuing education and participation in clinical research.

Why Choose CharlottePerio?

We know that talking about gum disease can be stressful. Many people wait to see a dentist in Charlotte, NC, because they are worried or embarrassed. At CharlottePerio, we don't judge you for the past; we only care about helping your smile for the future.

The doctors and staff at CharlottePerio share a passion for superior dental care, along with a sincere appreciation for the community in which they work and live.

Keeping Your Smile Healthy

After you have spent time and money fixing your smile, you have to protect it. Gum disease must be managed to keep it from flaring up and causing further damage.

• Regular Cleanings: People with periodontal (gum) disease may need more frequent cleanings. Your doctor at CharlottePerio will advise you on how often you should see your hygienist. Your periodontal hygienist can access areas that your toothbrush just can't reach.
• Daily Care: Brushing is important, but flossing is a must when you have a history of gum disease. You need to be very diligent in removing plaque that sits on and between your teeth. Your CharlottePerio hygienist will provide tips and tools to keep your mouth as clean as possible between visits.
• Don't Smoke: Smoking is the worst thing for your gums. It slows healing and greatly increases the risk of gum disease recurring.

Taking the First Step

If you are tired of hiding your smile because your gums have pulled back or you are missing teeth, it is time to do something about it. You don't have to live with the damage gum disease leaves behind.

When you come to see us at CharlottePerio, we will do a full evaluation and talk about your wants and needs. We will explain your options in detail and provide a personalized treatment plan that is right for you.

Ready to Get Your Smile Back?

You deserve to feel good when you look in the mirror. You deserve to laugh without having to cover your mouth.

Give us a call at CharlottePerio today to schedule a consultation. Let’s look at how we can give you back your confidence. As your local periodontist in Charlotte, NC, we are here to help you. Let’s get your smile back on track.