Dental Care Fun for Kids

« Back to Home

Treating Preexisting Dental Conditions Prior To Restorative Procedures

Posted on

If you are considering restorative dentistry procedures such as dental implants, crowns, or porcelain veneers, you will need to make sure that your dentist has treated your preexisting dental conditions. Your dental restorations may not function as well as they should if they are installed in the presence of unhealthy teeth and gums. Here are some preexisting dental conditions your dentist will need to treat prior to performing a dental restoration procedure:

Gum Overgrowth

If your gums are overgrown as a result of medications such as anti-seizure drugs, they may grow over your teeth and even into the spaces between your teeth. Before restorations such as implants, bridges, veneers, or caps can be considered, your overgrown gums will need to be treated, or you may develop a severe infection.

If your overgrown gums are the result of high dose anti-seizure medications, your physician can lower the dose. Gum overgrowth seems to occur with more frequency when large doses of anti-seizure medications are taken, as opposed to lower dosages. Professional dental cleanings may also help overgrown gum tissue regress, however, if conventional dental treatments and medication adjustments fail to improve the condition of your gums, your dentist may recommend that you visit an oral surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.

Periodontitis 

A severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis can cause gum inflammation, bleeding, and infection. In extreme cases, periodontitis can destroy your gum tissue as well as the underlying bone. If you have periodontitis, your dentist may recommend that you see a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Not only can periodontitis cause destruction of your gum tissue and underlying bone, it can also raise your risk for a systemic, or body-wide infection. Prior to referring you to a periodontist, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics if you have a periodontitis-related infection.

If you have gum overgrowth or periodontitis, talk to your dentist about your treatment options. Restorative dentistry can improve your smile, bite, and your ability to chew, however, your teeth and gums should be in great shape before your restorations are installed.

This is especially important if you are considering dental implants. If your gums are in poor condition because of periodontitis or otherwise, your implants may need to be removed until your gums and underlying bone have healed. While periodontitis is highly treatable when caught early, extensive disease may cause permanent damage to your oral cavity. 


Share