Installing dental veneers is a common cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of front teeth. However, if not done properly, it risks damaging gums, leading to infection. This article explores dental veneer basics, gum injury prevention, symptoms of infection post-veneer procedure, treatment options, and long-term veneer success factors.
Veneer Fundamentals
A dentist offering Scarborough dental veneer services explains that dental veneers also referred to as porcelain laminates, consist of thin shells bonded onto the front surface of teeth. Usually made of porcelain or composite resin, they serve the aesthetic purpose of concealing teeth imperfections like chips, gaps, stains, and misalignments. The veneering procedure requires minimal removal of the original tooth structure, unlike crowning. The thin, translucent porcelain masks dark teeth, straightens crooked teeth, and closes spaces between teeth. When bonded correctly, the ultra-thin veneers look perfectly natural and make teeth appear whiter.
Avoiding Gum Injury
A skilled cosmetic dentist takes precautions to avoid injuring gums during the veneer placement process. They thoroughly examine the patient’s oral condition beforehand using dental X-rays, models, and computer imaging. After determining veneer suitability, they cautiously prepare each tooth, requiring minimal enamel removal using precision instruments. Extreme care is taken near the gum line to prevent tissue damage. Temporary veneer prototypes allow previewing of the planned changes before permanent bonding. A properly executed procedure should not harm or irritate gums.
Symptoms of Infection
However, if the dentist accidentally damages gum tissue while grinding teeth or mistakenly leaves gaps between veneers and gums, it risks microbial invasion, causing infection. Typical infection symptoms arising within a few days after veneering include:
Swollen red gums.
Bleeding from gums.
Bad odor/taste.
Tooth sensitivity.
Visible pus around teeth.
Pain/tenderness in nearby gum areas and jawbone.
If such persistent symptoms show up, patients must get it examined by the dentist without delay.
Treatment Options
Treating infected gums post-veneering starts with the dentist thoroughly cleaning the affected region. After flushing away pus and debris, they remove veneers if required to drain the infection from underneath and allow healing. A course of antibiotics may be prescribed to eliminate infection-causing bacteria. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial medicated mouthwashes also help soothe inflamed gums and prevent reinfection. Once swelling and tenderness reduce in a few days, new veneers can be safely placed. For patients with recurring gum problems, alternative smile makeover options not involving veneers should be considered instead of attempting repeated replacements.
Ensuring Veneer Longevity
While occasional veneer damage necessitates replacement, patients can maximize longevity through good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Brushing twice and flossing once daily prevents plaque buildup, causing decay underneath veneers. Using non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste safeguards against microscopic cracks prematurely aging the veneer porcelain. Clenching/grinding habits should be mitigated, too. Most importantly, biannual checkups allow early detection and remedy of any underlying tooth decay or gum issues before causing irreparable veneer and smile damage. Thereby, patients can smile confidently for over a decade with their shiny white bonded veneer facade.
In summary, installing dental veneers risks potential gum injury and subsequent infection if executed without adequate precautions. But compassionate cosmetic dentists can safely transform imperfect smiles using thin veneer shells when adhering to strict protocols and leveraging advanced tools for minimal tooth prep. Patients also play a role by maintaining impeccable oral hygiene and regularly monitoring for issues. Thereby, dental veneers boost self-esteem for years through beautiful gap-free smiles when properly placed and cared for post-installation.
0 comments: