Cosmetic dentistry is an important investment in your smile, so making your results last for as long as possible just makes sense. But many patients wonder why they must get a pre-procedure exam and repair any dental problems before they can begin treatment. Here’s why it’s so important to have great oral health before you get cosmetic dentistry!
The Dangers of Poor Oral Health
Neglecting oral health conditions can be very dangerous. Leaving things like gum disease, cavities, and tooth infections untreated will almost certainly cause them to worsen. This can eventually lead to more costly repairs and could even result in lost teeth; certainly not something you want if you’re investing your hard-earned money in cosmetic dentistry!
The Cost of Repairing Treated Teeth
When you elect to have cosmetic dentistry, you are often altering your teeth in such a way that it could require extra work to repair it. For example, if you have a cavity under your veneer, your dentist will need to first remove the veneer to access and treat the damage. It will then need to be reattached or if it no longer fits due to the repair, it may need to be completely replaced. Either way, this will cost more than a straightforward filling procedure on an untreated tooth.
With treatments like professional whitening, applying chemicals to damaged or decayed teeth can make side-effects like sensitivity worse, and can even cause further injury to it.
The Importance of Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
Now that you know some of the dangers of leaving oral health problems untreated prior to cosmetic dentistry, it’s easy to see the value in visiting your dentist for a consultation first. At this time, he or she will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums, and if any problems are discovered, develop an appropriate treatment plan to implement before you’re ready to begin your cosmetic procedure. At this time, you can also explore your options regarding the best way to achieve your smile goals and get an estimated cost.
Remember, cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your smile, but in order to proceed with treatment, you’ll need to resolve any oral health problems first, so be sure to discuss your options at your consultation and get started creating a beautiful, long-lasting smile!
About Our Practice
At Metro Park Dental Arts, we treat your smile as an art form. If you have anything you’d like to change about the appearance of your teeth or gums, we offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures to help. To learn more about your options and to see if your mouth is ready to begin treatment, please schedule a consultation by visiting our website or calling us today at 479-845-1191.