Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you can make the brighter, more confident smile of your dreams a reality. But before you can start the process of enhancing the appearance of your teeth, your dentist will need to examine your mouth to see if there are any problems that need to be addressed first. Why exactly is it so important to make sure that you’re in good oral health prior to beginning any sort of cosmetic dental treatment? Here is a quick look at what you need to know.
Oral Health and Cosmetic Dentistry
Oral health issues and cosmetic dental work can interfere with each other in a variety of ways. For instance, it is not recommended that you have a veneer placed on a tooth with a cavity. Untreated decay can significantly weaken the tooth over time to the point where it can’t support a veneer anymore. Conversely, if a veneer ends up covering a cavity that was located on the front of the tooth, it will only make it more difficult for your dentist to treat the problem.
Another example would be how oral health issues can lead to serious problems during professional teeth whitening. Tooth decay and gum disease often make the teeth more sensitive than normal. Consequently, having whitening performed while they are in this state can lead to serious discomfort. Furthermore, the bleaching agents used for professional whitening could potentially damage your tooth if there’s a cavity present.
How Can You Get Oral Health Back on Track Before Cosmetic Dentistry?
Even if you are currently suffering from tooth decay or gum disease, it may still be possible for you to have cosmetic dentistry performed once these issues have been taken care of. After identifying any problems in your mouth, your dentist can help you explore your options for reclaiming a healthy smile.
The treatment you need will depend on the nature and severity of your oral health issue. A simple filling is typically all that’s required to address a cavity while it’s still in its earliest stages, but a root canal treatment could be necessary for more advanced forms of decay.
In short, it is always best to prioritize the health of your teeth and gums over their appearance. Once your mouth is in good condition again, you can start thinking about the steps you want to take to help your smile look its best.
About the Author
Dr. Navi Dhaliwal went to the University of Detroit Mercy for her dental education. She takes a genuine, caring approach to dental care that puts the needs and comfort of her patients first. Her practice, Complete Dental Care of Covington, offers a wide range of restorative treatments (such as fillings) as well as smile-improving cosmetic dentistry services (such as veneers and teeth whitening). If you would like to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Dhaliwal, visit her website or call (253) 243-6576.