If you have periodontal disease and are considering veneers, there are important factors to understand before proceeding. This page explains whether veneers can be placed when periodontal disease is present, how periodontal disease is treated, and what other dental options may be available.
Periodontal disease is a form of gum disease that can damage gum tissue. Gum disease is categorised into two forms: gingivitis, a milder form, and periodontal disease, which can be more severe.
With periodontal disease, gum tissue is damaged and bone loss can occur if left untreated. In severe cases, teeth may loosen or be lost.
Symptoms of periodontal disease include bad breath, gums that regularly bleed, new gaps between teeth, red or purple gums, receding gums, pain, pus between gums, swollen gums, tender gums, and tooth loss.
If you have any of these symptoms, book a dental check-up so your dentist can assess your gum health.
Periodontal disease is usually associated with poor oral hygiene. If plaque hardens and is not removed, gingivitis can develop. Without treatment, gingivitis can progress to periodontal disease.
Some people are more susceptible to periodontal disease, particularly smokers, those who use recreational drugs, those with weakened immune systems, diabetes, Crohn's disease, or those experiencing hormonal changes. Regular dental appointments allow your dentist to monitor gum health and identify issues early.
No. Veneers require a stable foundation — healthy gums and adequate bone support. Active periodontal disease compromises this foundation. Veneers are not placed in patients with active gum disease, as the results would be unpredictable and the procedure could cause further discomfort if gums are already inflamed or receding.
However, once periodontal disease has been treated and your dentist confirms that your gums have healed sufficiently, veneers may be an option. Your dentist will assess your gum health and advise on timing.
Treatment for periodontal disease varies depending on its severity. Your dentist will examine your gums and recommend the appropriate approach.
Scaling: Removes plaque, bacteria, and tartar from gums and teeth.
Root planing: Smooths the surface of tooth roots to reduce plaque buildup and help gum tissue reattach to the tooth surface.
Antibiotics: May be prescribed as a mouth rinse or gel applied to the gums after brushing to help reduce infection.
Pocket reduction: An incision is made into the gum and the tissue is lifted back for better access to the roots for scaling and planing. Bone may be recontoured if needed.
Soft tissue grafting: A small amount of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and attached to areas where gums have receded or soft tissue is damaged.
Bone grafting: Fragments of your own bone or donor bone are used to support the teeth and encourage new bone growth.
Guided tissue regeneration: A special fabric is placed between bone and teeth to prevent tissue from entering the healing area, allowing bone to regenerate.
All surgical procedures carry risks including pain, swelling, infection, and the possibility that the procedure may not fully resolve the gum disease. Your dentist will discuss all risks before recommending treatment.
While veneers are not appropriate until periodontal disease has been treated, other dental treatments may be available depending on your situation. Your dentist will assess which options are clinically appropriate.
Dental implants involve placing a titanium post into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. Once healed, a crown is placed on top. The treatment process takes several months. Dental implants may help preserve jawbone density. However, implant surgery carries risks including infection, implant failure, nerve damage, and sinus complications. Adequate bone density and gum health are required before implant placement. Your dentist will assess suitability.
Get more information on dental implants.
Dental crowns are caps placed over damaged teeth. They can be colour-matched and sized to blend with the surrounding teeth. Crowns can restore bite function while protecting the tooth from further damage. Risks of crowns include sensitivity, potential need for root canal treatment, and the irreversible removal of tooth structure during preparation.
Get more information on dental crowns.
Composite bonding uses a resin material to address chips, gaps, and cracks. It can also cover exposed roots that may have resulted from gum recession. The dentist lightly etches the tooth surface, applies the resin, shapes it, and cures it with a light. Composite bonding typically requires less tooth preparation than veneers. Risks include the bonding chipping, staining, or debonding over time.
Get more information on dental bonding.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks of veneer treatment include tooth sensitivity during and after preparation; the irreversible removal of natural enamel (for porcelain veneers); the possibility of veneers chipping, cracking, debonding, or failing over time; colour mismatch over time; the potential need for root canal treatment on prepared teeth; and the need for eventual replacement.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before any treatment begins.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
If you have periodontal disease and are considering veneers or other dental treatment, a consultation is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist will assess your gum health, discuss treatment options for your periodontal disease, and advise on whether and when veneers or other procedures may be appropriate. Your dentist will discuss all risks involved before any treatment begins.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
Veneers can cover exposed roots and may reduce sensitivity associated with gum recession, but they do not treat the gum recession itself. Gum recession typically needs to be addressed first, usually through gum grafting, before veneers are placed. Your dentist will assess and advise.
Veneer placement is performed under local anaesthetic, which is designed to prevent pain during the procedure, though you may feel pressure. Some sensitivity during and after the procedure is possible, particularly if you have had periodontal disease. Your dentist will manage your comfort throughout.
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.