Cosmetic dental procedures have allowed many people to achieve more ideal smiles, but they need teeth to be healthy in order to be done safely and effectively. Before you can undergo a cosmetic treatment, your dentist may need to perform some restorative work to clear up tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues that can compromise the results of the procedure. Here’s why you need healthy teeth before undergoing a cosmetic dental treatment and how your dentist can help get you there.
How Can Tooth Decay Undermine Cosmetic Dentistry?
A cavity is an infected wound in the tooth, and it will not get better without professional intervention. Teeth whitening treatments from your dentist use professional-grade whitening agents to remove stains and brighten your enamel. This stuff is strong medicine, and exposure to it can irritate your gums and other soft tissues. If your teeth are afflicted with untreated cavities, exposing their inner layers to this whitening gel will be a painful experience that can negatively affect your dental health in the long run.
Untreated tooth decay can also make your teeth too weak to support cosmetic restorations such as porcelain veneers. To make matters worse, covering a decayed tooth with a veneer can just provide shelter for the infection, allowing it to fester and eventually cause tooth loss.
How Can Gum Disease Affect the Results of Cosmetic Dentistry?
While gum disease already negatively affects the appearance of your smile by making your gums an unsightly red color, it can also be a detriment to many cosmetic dental procedures. If your gums have receded to the point where the roots of your teeth are exposed, a teeth whitening treatment can result in painful dental sensitivity.
How Can My Dentist Make My Teeth Healthy Enough for Cosmetic Dentistry?
While improving the health of your teeth largely depends on proper oral hygiene, your dentist will also play a part in the process. Tooth-colored fillings can stop cavities in their tracks and leave a tooth looking as good as new by replacing the decayed tissue with tooth-colored composite resin. If a tooth has more extensive tooth decay, treatments like root canals and dental crowns can save teeth from extraction. A dentist can also provide periodontal treatments to resolve gum disease and repair the resulting damage.
While cosmetic dental procedures do require healthy teeth, they are not out of reach if your teeth need a little help. Consulting with your dentist can help determine the best path towards a more beautiful smile.
About the Author
Dr. David Bradley earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 1995 and has completed over 1,300 hours of post-graduate education since going into private practice. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Greensboro, GA offers preventive, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information on how to have a mouth healthy enough for cosmetic dentistry, contact his office online or dial (706) 453-1333.