If you’re frustrated by aesthetic flaws in your smile, like stubborn stains, chips, cracks, or mild gaps and misalignments, you could potentially benefit from one or more cosmetic dental procedures. These services are intended to improve your appearance and boost your confidence, which can increase your daily quality of life.
However, your dentist must examine your mouth to ensure that no pre-existing issues, like gum disease, interfere with your results before scheduling your chosen treatment(s). Continue reading to learn why this is so important!
Why Do I Need an Examination Before Cosmetic Dental Work?
Many dentists offer various options, like professional-grade teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and tooth-colored restorations, that can address imperfections in your grin. Although your provider is happy to help enhance your looks, their primary concern is your oral health. Therefore, to preserve and protect your teeth and gums, they’ll examine your mouth and address any areas of concern, like cavities or gum disease.
How Does Gum Disease Interfere with Cosmetic Services?
Checking your mouth for areas of concern before providing elective treatment benefits you in a couple of ways. Firstly, it ensures that your teeth and gums are healthy so that your smile is as happy as it is beautiful. However, it can also avoid possible adverse effects. For instance, porcelain veneers might become destabilized if your gums begin pulling away from your enamel to escape progressive disease.
Plus, it’s a good idea to have a routine checkup before undergoing treatments that alter your smile so you’re less likely to develop concerns afterward to preserve the results. Addressing issues like cavities and periodontal problems strengthens your teeth and gums, making them more resistant to developing additional stains or minor injuries that detract from your looks.
When Can I Proceed with Cosmetics After Periodontal Treatment?
Scaling and root planing is the tried-and-true solution for slowing the progression of gum disease. This two-part treatment involves scraping away plaque and debris from along your gumline and deep into the pockets. Then, your dentist schedules a second visit to smooth your enamel to encourage your connective tissues to reattach to the surface of your teeth.
The length of time you’ll need to wait before proceeding with your cosmetics depends on your unique circumstances and the severity of your dental condition. Those with mild cases of gingivitis are likelier to recover faster than those with more progressive periodontal concerns. Your dentist can proceed with your chosen treatments as soon as the infection is under control.
Once you’ve healed enough from any required services, you can undergo your elective cosmetic procedure to enhance your grin!
Meet the Author
Dr. H. Douglas Clark III has 20 years of experience helping people build and maintain the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Marquette University School of Dentistry and has been practicing at Hill Avenue Dental since his graduation in 2004. Today, he offers a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetics, to meet all your needs at one conveniently located office. He enjoys serving the Superior community where he grew up, and takes pride in establishing lasting relationships with patients to provide treatment plans tailored to their unique needs. If you want to upgrade your appearance, you can request an appointment on the website or call (715) 392-5161.