Cosmetic dental services are more affordable and accessible than ever before, and many dentists offer a wide range of aesthetic treatments that can brighten, reshape, or straighten troubled teeth. While oral infections like gum disease and tooth decay will preclude you from these treatments, your oral health professional is trained and equipped to address such issues to help you qualify for cosmetic procedures later. Here’s how your dentist can help you achieve a more beautiful grin.
Cosmetic Dental Work Can Exacerbate Tooth Decay
Many cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers, metal-free restorations, cosmetic bonding, and teeth whitening can be seriously complicated by untreated tooth decay. Placing a restoration such as a crown or a veneer on a tooth with a cavity will shelter the infection from the mouth’s natural cleaning process, which will allow it to progress deeper into the dental structure until it causes an agonizing toothache and possibly tooth loss. The same thing might happen if the patient receives cosmetic bonding.
Applying teeth whitening treatments to teeth with cavities can also cause injuries by exposing the inner structures of the tooth to harsh bleaching agents. To prevent these issues, your dentist may have to address cavities with restorative treatments such as fillings or root canals before performing cosmetic work.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Irritate Infected Gums
Cosmetic dental treatments such as teeth whitening, veneers, cosmetic bonding, and metal-free restorations can put excessive stress on infected gum tissue and inhibit its ability to fight germs. Because of this, dentists will not perform cosmetic work if gum disease is present, but many patients can receive aesthetic procedures after resolving their soft tissue infections.
Gum disease starts as inflammation called gingivitis which can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene. However, the advanced form of gum disease called periodontitis requires professional treatment to be resolved.
Dentists are eager to help their patients achieve healthy smiles they can be proud of, and restorative treatments such as fillings, root canals, and gum disease therapy may help you become an excellent candidate for cosmetic dental work. Consulting with your oral health professional can help you understand the best way to beautify your teeth.
About the Practice
Hill Dental Wellness offers the finest oral health services in Falmouth. Led by Drs. Kelsey Hill and Ken Myers, the staff treats each patient with respect and compassion while maintaining a warm and friendly office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact the office on the web or dial (207) 797-3130.