My intense love for candy, cakes, and everything in between started as a child. I simply couldn't go one day without something sweet to eat. But my love for all things sweet took a toll on my teeth. My dentist diagnosed me with seven cavities, each one a different size and depth. After sitting through four long dental appointments, I decided to make a change. I now monitor my diet and only eat things that benefit my oral health. I'm here to help you take better care of your teeth. My blog offers tips on how to improve your diet, maintain good oral hygiene, and many other topics. Hopefully, you can learn to overcome your bad habits just as I did. Good luck with your future dental health.
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When patients visit the dental clinic for full mouth restoration, it is usually because significant damage has been done to a number of teeth. What patient's don't realize however, is the effect of this damage on the rest of the mouth structure. Full mouth restorations will help fix the teeth that remain; however, the procedure may also demand a few subsequent treatments to manage other problems. Read more information below.
When Your Teeth Aren't the Problem
In many cases that require full mouth reconstruction, it isn't actually the teeth that are the problem. This may seem strange, but in many patients it's actually the underlying gum that is causing aesthetic problems. This can be for a number of reasons; however, the two most common are a gum-line that is showing too much, and a gum-line that isn't strong enough to offer proper support.
The great news is that this isn't a difficult problem. Gum is an extremely malleable material, and most dentists will use a technique known as 'gum contouring' to give the gum its shape back.
The Procedure
It may sound like a difficult and painful procedure - the idea of having your gum pressed into shape by your dentist isn't exactly a pleasant thought. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. With the use of modern technology, your dentist does not have to manipulate the gum manually; rather, they will use a small laser to alter your gum-line.
The idea of lasers makes this procedure sound much more intricate than it actually is. Compared to other aspects of modern cosmetic dentistry, this is actually a fairly straightforward procedure. It's quick, easy and can be done in one sitting. This reduces the need for post-treatment healing, giving you the time to go out and flash your pearly whites.
The Aftermath
As with any dental procedure, the first question on your mind is likely to be 'but how painful is it?'. With all the horror stories from people regarding the dentist's chair, it's easy to get caught up in all of the hype. However, gone are the days of difficult dental procedures that require weeks of healing.
As mentioned, this procedure is carried out purely with the use of lasers. It is possible that this was a painful treatment in the past when it was done manually; however, these days it's relatively pain-free. The laser naturally seals up the exposed wound as it penetrates the gum-line, meaning that bleeding is controlled and there are no open wounds following the treatment.
Your gums will likely feel tender after the procedure. This is natural, and is no cause for concern. Thankfully, gum is a very self-healing material and this pain will usually subside in a matter of days. The initial pain can be managed by use of painkillers; however, if the pain continues then it's a good idea to speak with your dentist as it may indicate some underlying problem.
The Prognosis
As mentioned, gum contouring in itself isn't usually offered as a complete solution. Rather, it is a key building block in a full mouth restoration to give you back your smile. The technique is purely cosmetic, and although reshaping your gums may help their structural integrity, your dentist will provide other treatments if this outcome is necessary.
After your procedure, you'll want to keep your newly shaped gums in tip-top condition. Gum disease is extremely common, so you'll have to practice proper oral hygiene to avoid any infections. For the first two-to-three weeks after your appointment, you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. These foreign chemicals will affect your body's ability to heal itself, and may cause your gums to ache slightly.
With that said, gum contouring is a fairly straightforward procedure and you'll be back to top condition in no time. The only lasting difference is that your smile will be noticeably better and you're confidence will be up - not exactly a bad thing!
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