With cosmetic dentistry, you can transform your smile and give your confidence a much-deserved boost. However, before your dentist helps you put together a cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, they will need to make sure that your mouth is healthy first. Trying to undergo cosmetic dentistry without first addressing oral health issues like cavities and gum disease can lead to serious problems; here’s a closer look at the reasons why.
Cavities and Cosmetic Dentistry
A cavity is the result of the enamel protecting your tooth being eroded by acids produced by harmful oral bacteria. This can get in the way of various cosmetic dental services. In particular, if the tooth is sufficiently weakened, it may be less capable of supporting a veneer.
Gum Disease and Cosmetic Dentistry
Having gum disease means that your gums have become infected, leaving them looking redder and more swollen than usual. One of the consequences of gum disease is that it can cause the gums to recede. This can expose the roots of the teeth, making them more sensitive in general, which can cause discomfort during certain cosmetic dental treatments. Also, if you cover your teeth with veneers, it could make gum disease harder to treat since the bacteria causing the problem will have additional areas to hide in.
Dealing with Cavities and Gum Disease Before Cosmetic Dentistry
Fortunately, cavities and gum disease don’t need to permanently prevent you from pursuing cosmetic dentistry. With the right treatments, your dentist can restore your oral health, making it possible to have cosmetic dental procedures performed safely.
The kind of treatment recommended depends on the nature of your oral health issue. A cavity can often be treated with a filling, but it may require more advanced procedures if it has already progressed past a certain point. Gum disease can be treated via a deep cleaning process that consists of scaling and root planing.
How Can You Protect Your Oral Health After Cosmetic Dentistry?
Once you’ve completed the cosmetic dentistry process, it will be up to you to take care of your smile in order to avoid cavities, gum disease, and other oral health complications in the future. Make sure that you’re in the habit of brushing and flossing at least two times a day, and remember to schedule at least two appointments with your dentist every year. This will keep your mouth in good condition and help the results of your cosmetic dental treatment last longer.
A beautiful smile is a wonderful thing, but oral health should always come first. Be sure to talk to your dentist if you’re worried that cavities or gum disease might get in the way of your cosmetic dental treatment; they can help you get the care you need before moving forward with the process of creating the smile you’ve been dreaming of.
About the Practice
At Wolfe Dental Cedar Mill, patients can benefit from the expertise of multiple dentists who utilize the latest dental technologies and techniques. We offer solutions for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, but we also provide cosmetic dentistry in the form of veneers, dental bonding, and more. To schedule a consultation at our office in Beaverton, visit our website or call (503) 751-2735.