When it comes to cosmetic dental procedures like veneers, it's important to consider the overall health of your mouth. One common oral health issue that could affect the success of veneers is periodontal disease.
In this article, we'll explore whether it's possible to get veneers if you have periodontal disease, what risks are involved, and how to approach treatment.
Quick Answer: Can You Get Veneers with Periodontal Disease?
The straightforward answer is no — while it may be tempting to pursue veneers for aesthetic reasons, it's crucial to remember that having active periodontal disease necessitates immediate treatment.
Placing cosmetic considerations above the health of your gums and teeth is risky and could result in significant oral health issues. It's always best to manage and control periodontal disease effectively before considering any cosmetic dental procedures.
Understanding Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease (also known as “gum disease”) is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth.
If left untreated, it can lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. Moreover, periodontal disease can interfere with various dental treatments, including veneers.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings made out of porcelain or composite resin material that are placed over the front part of a tooth to improve its appearance.
They can be used to fix a wide range of cosmetic issues, including stained, chipped, or misshapen teeth. However, veneers require a stable and healthy oral environment to work effectively and last long.
Why Can’t You Get Veneers If You Have Periodontal Disease?
When periodontal disease is present, getting veneers is not recommended. The disease will compromise the success of the veneers due to potential bone loss, gum recession, or instability of the teeth.
It's crucial to address and manage periodontal disease first before considering veneers or any other cosmetic dental procedures.
Treating Periodontal Disease
Treatment for periodontal disease ranges from nonsurgical therapies that control bacterial growth to surgery to restore supportive tissues.
One common nonsurgical treatment is scaling and root planing. This deep-cleaning procedure involves scraping off tartar and plaque from above and below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing out rough spots on the tooth root (planing). By smoothing the tooth root, it becomes harder for bacteria to stick to and easier for the gums to reattach to the teeth, promoting healing and slowing the progression of gum disease.
A dental professional can recommend the best treatment options based on the severity of your condition. The primary goal is to control the infection and restore the health of your gums and teeth.
Veneers After Periodontal Disease Treatment
Once periodontal disease is successfully treated and managed, and your oral health is restored, veneers could then be considered. This requires a stable periodontal condition — there’s no point in spending time and money on veneers if the underlying teeth are doomed to fail.
Long term, it's important to maintain excellent oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to ensure the continued health of your teeth and gums and the success of your veneers.
Final Thoughts
Good oral health is the foundation for successful cosmetic dental procedures.
Periodontal disease should be treated and managed effectively before considering veneers. With professional guidance, you can navigate the process to achieve the best possible outcome.
FAQs
What happens if you get veneers with gum disease?
If you get veneers while having active gum disease, you're risking the health of your gums and the longevity of the veneers. The inflammation, bleeding, and possible infection caused by gum disease can prevent the veneers from adhering properly, leading to potential failure of the treatment. Moreover, gum disease could progress, damaging the underlying structure of the teeth and further compromising the veneers. In severe cases, the veneered teeth will become loose and fall out.
What disqualifies you from getting veneers?
Certain conditions and factors may disqualify you from getting veneers, including:
Active gum disease: This should be treated and controlled before any cosmetic procedures.
Tooth decay: Cavities or severe tooth decay can prevent veneers from bonding properly.
Bruxism: Individuals who grind their teeth can damage veneers.
Insufficient enamel: Since veneers are bonded to the tooth's enamel, insufficient enamel may prevent proper adhesion.
Can you get fake teeth if you have periodontitis?
It is not recommended to get prosthetic teeth such as dental implants or bridges if you have untreated periodontitis. This is because the infection and inflammation associated with periodontitis can jeopardize the success and longevity of these dental restorations. First, periodontitis should be treated and controlled to prepare a healthy environment for any form of dental prosthetic.
Can I get veneers with bone loss?
Bone loss in the jaw can affect the stability and health of your teeth, which can, in turn, impact the success of veneers. Your dentist will evaluate your periodontal condition to determine the best course of action. In some cases, procedures to augment bone might be required before considering veneers.
Can I have veneers with receding gums?
Receding gums can expose the roots of your teeth, which could pose a problem for veneers. Also, receding gums could indicate an underlying issue like gum disease, which needs to be treated before considering veneers.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.