If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, cosmetic dentistry could be the key to making the improvements that you want. But before you can start the process of enhancing your grin, you need to make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape first. Why does the state of your dental health matter when it comes to cosmetic dentistry? Here’s what you need to know.
Cavities and Cosmetic Dentistry
If you have cavities, they will need to be taken care of before you can have cosmetic dentistry performed. Otherwise, they could lead to all kinds of problems.
For example, if you are having veneers placed, they may end up covering the cavities. This can make the decay more difficult to treat in the long run. On top of that, cavities can potentially weaken teeth to the point where they can’t support veneers to begin with.
Furthermore, trying to have your teeth whitened while you have cavities is a bad idea. Teeth whitening is generally considered to be safe, but if a decayed tooth is exposed to bleaching agents, it could result in a significant amount of discomfort.
Gum Disease and Cosmetic Dentistry
Gum disease that goes ignored for too long can result in tooth loss, which is reason enough to have it treated by a professional as soon as possible. However, it can also be a potential obstacle to having cosmetic dentistry performed.
Veneers and other types of cosmetic restorations can potentially get in the way while your dentist is trying to treat gum disease. Additionally, gum disease can lead to recession of the gum tissue, which leaves the roots of the teeth exposed. This often makes your teeth more sensitive than normal, which can lead to quite a bit of discomfort during the whitening process.
What Can You Do If You Have Cavities or Gum Disease?
As soon as your dentist confirms that you have cavities or gum disease, it’s best to have them treated quickly before they can grow any worse. A tooth that has suffered from a cavity can typically be restored with a filling. Gum disease may require scaling and root planing depending on how advanced it is.
Once your mouth is healthy again, you can ask your dentist about moving forward with cosmetic dentistry. They will let you know what types of treatments are available and which are the best fit for your smile.
A beautiful grin is a wonderful thing, but good oral health should always come first. Whether you are ready to take the first step of the cosmetic dentistry process or have concerns about the current state of your mouth, it’s worth seeing what your dentist has to say.
About the Author
Dr. Sheri McIntosh went to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio for her Doctor of Dental Surgery. She is a member of the Texas Dental Association, the North Texas Dental Society, and other organizations. She offers a variety of services, from fillings for cavities to scaling and root planing for gum disease to veneers and other cosmetic procedures for enhancing smiles. To schedule a consultation with Dr. McIntosh at Distinguished Dental in Fort Worth, visit her website or call (817) 337-8300.