Dental implants vs veneers after periodontal disease

If you have had advanced stages of periodontal disease, it has most likely affected the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. As gum disease progresses, the gums pull away from the tooth leaving pockets for plaque to move closer to the root of the tooth. This causes root exposure and weakening of the bone that supports your teeth which can make your teeth loose and they can even fall out. After you have had gum disease, you may want to improve the look of your teeth. Dental implants and veneers are both great options.
However, the most important thing is that all active periodontal disease is completely removed before you can have cosmetic dental work done. Once the infection is completely gone your periodontists can go over your options with you to improve the look of your smile.

What is a periodontist and who should see one

The main difference between dentist and periodontist are that dentists are focused on general teeth hygiene while periodontists are specialists for advanced cases of gum and tooth diseases. They focus on specific surgeries that are both surgical and non-invasive to give you the option to get back to your daily life. They help you consult on what different services they offer from grum graft to deep cleaning of the tissues.

Periodontists handle certain services that your dentist does not have the direct experience to work on. They also work on treating your gum diseases or making sure to prevent them from happening.

Dental Implants

Los Angeles dental implants are permanent replacement teeth that can be placed by expert periodontists Dr. Alexandre-Amir Aalam and Dr. Alina Krivitsky. Dental implants are more cosmetically appealing than dentures and have become a common procedure in modern dentistry. A dental implant consists of a titanium rod that is surgically placed into the jawbone. Once the rod is in place, a crown (tooth replacement) is placed on top of the rod. This tooth is natural in color and will match the rest of your teeth. However, because the bone grows around the titanium rod to keep it secure, patients who have had advanced periodontal disease have a greater increase of implant failure. This may result in needing bone augmentation prior to the implants being placed. This can increase the length and cost of treatment.

Depending on your oral hygiene, health and routine checkups with your dentist and periodontist, your dental implants should last a life time. Your periodontist will consult with you to make sure that you are healthy enough for surgery.

Veneers and Lumineers

Veneers and lumineers are thin custom-made porcelain shells that are permanently placed over your teeth. They both look like natural teeth and will also match the rest of your smile. The difference between veneers and lumineers is that veneers require some removal of your tooth enamel in order to make room for them. Lumineers are thinner than veneers and usually do not require enamel removal.

After your teeth have been prepped for the veneers, a mold of your teeth will be made and sent to a lab where they will uniquely make each veneer. Then they will be permanently placed onto your teeth with a cement-like paste.

Veneers and lumineers can last from 10 to 20 years depending on your oral hygiene and routine checkups with your dentist and periodontist. However, veneers and lumineers can be a little bulky which may make it difficult to floss and get all the plaque from between your teeth when brushing.

The Best Los Angeles Periodontist

If gum disease has left your teeth lacking in appearance and you want to cosmetically improve your smile, contact Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky today for a consultation by calling (310) 826-8242 or by making an appointment online. Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are expert periodontists who are specifically trained in placing dental implants. They will go over your options and will help you decide which procedure is best for you.