Are you looking to enhance your smile with cosmetic dental treatment? This is a great way for patients to have changes made to their teeth to feel more confident about smiling. However, certain oral health issues need to be treated before cosmetic dentistry, and for good reason. Continue reading to learn more from your cosmetic dentist in Naples about why having excellent oral health is necessary before elective treatments.
Why Does My Dental Health Have to Be the Top Priority?
When you go to get cosmetic dental work done, one of the first things that your dentist will do is examine your mouth to ensure it is in good health. This is because existing issues can become hidden or even worsened by some treatments. Even though your dentist looks forward to helping you work toward your smile goals, your oral health is the number-one priority, even over cosmetic dentistry.
What Are Primary Oral Health Concerns Your Cosmetic Dentist Is Checking for?
While there are all sorts of things that can get in the way of aesthetic procedures, there are two in particular that cosmetic dentists find most often. The good news is that these issues can usually be treated within a few weeks or months. This way, you can quickly get back on track towards your dream smile. Here are the main issues your cosmetic dentist looks for:
- Gum disease: Did you know approximately half of all adults over age 30 are suffering from periodontal disease? When left untreated, this disease can lead to all sorts of serious oral health issues like gum recession, loose teeth, and tooth loss. The infection could even spread to other areas of the body and become life-threatening. While there is an active infection in the mouth, cosmetic dental treatments are not an option.
- Tooth decay: Most of the time, when a patient must postpone their cosmetic dental treatment, it is because they have a cavity or two in their mouth. Some procedures cannot be completed safely if there is preexisting tooth decay. For example, porcelain veneers can cover up decay and make it much more difficult to detect until it becomes very serious and painful! If you opt for tooth whitening while you have a cavity, the whitening agent will have a direct path to the sensitive nerves of the tooth, leading to pain and other issues.
If you’re considering cosmetic dental treatment, you should check with your dentist in Naples ahead of time to ensure that your mouth is in good health, and then you can focus on your smile upgrade!
About the Author
Dr. George Hoop earned his dental doctorate from Emory University. He has more than 30 years of experience and has studied at prestigious dental institutions like the Pankey Institute and the Dawson Academy. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Hoop can ensure your oral health is in good standing first during a checkup and cleaning. Schedule one on his website or call (239) 594-8817.