Are you interested in cosmetic dentistry to enhance the beautiful features of your smile? After all, you want to feel confident when you smile for the camera and attend special events. However, your oral health comes before all, and if you don’t have a healthy smile, you won’t be able to undergo cosmetic dentistry quite yet. Here’s why having excellent dental health is so crucial before you can focus on the aesthetics of your smile.
Why Should Dental Issues Be Treated Before Cosmetic Treatment?
When you go to the dental office to get cosmetic treatment, your cosmetic dentist will begin by examining your smile to ensure that your mouth appears to be in good health. That’s because existing issues could become hidden or even worsened by certain cosmetic treatments. While your dentist is eager to help you achieve the smile of your dreams, your dental health is the number one priority, even with cosmetic dentistry. All oral health issues should be eliminated beforehand.
Which Oral Health Issues Can Delay Your Cosmetic Treatment?
There are a couple dental issues in particular that will get in the way of your cosmetic treatment. The good news is that they can usually be treated in a few weeks or months so you can quickly get back on track towards your smile goals:
- Tooth Decay: A lot of the time, when patients need to delay their cosmetic treatment, it’s because they have preexisting tooth decay that needs to be addressed. Certain procedures can’t be performed safely or effectively if your enamel is damaged. For instance, veneers can cover up decay and make it much more difficult to detect. Teeth whitening can irritate a damaged tooth because the whitening agent will have a way to reach the sensitive nerve within the tooth. Tooth decay must be resolved before elective treatments.
- Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is much more common than you may think. Approximately half of adults over the age of 30 have it at one stage or another. This can lead to very serious issues in the mouth and elsewhere in the body, so it must be treated ahead of time. If the infection progresses, it can lead to gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. An infection cannot be active in the mouth when cosmetic treatment takes place.
If you want to enhance your smile, check with your dentist to make sure that you mouth is in good health. You will be on your way towards the smile of your dreams in no time!
About the Author
Dr. James Nelson pursued his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans and has studied at the Spear Institute so he can provide a wider range of high-quality dental services to his patients. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Louisiana Dental Association, New Orleans Dental Association, and Academy of General Dentistry. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Nelson in Metairie, visit his website or call (504) 887-3311.