Almost everyone has at least one defect in their smile they would like to correct, and dentists offer a wide range of cosmetic services that can whiten, straighten, or reshape troubled teeth. However, oral infections will interfere with any cosmetic dental process and can lead to long-term health problems. Here’s why you may need to receive gum disease treatment or restorative dentistry before a cosmetic procedure.
Tooth Decay Can Be Resolved
Placing veneers or dental crowns on teeth with cavities will shelter the germs causing them from the mouth’s natural cleaning process and allow the destructive infection to fester, which can lead to toothache, tooth loss, and potentially dangerous secondary infections like sepsis. Applying teeth whitening treatments to infected teeth can also cause damage by exposing the inner dental structures to harsh whitening agents.
However, many patients with tooth decay can receive cosmetic dental treatments after undergoing restorative work like root canals, dental crowns, and tooth-colored fillings. After the infection has been eliminated, you may be ready to beautify your smile.
Gum Disease Can Be Treated
Gum disease is an insidious threat that may seem negligible at first, but it will develop into a destructive infection that can lead to tooth loss and jawbone erosion if left untreated. Gum disease also precludes a patient from receiving cosmetic dental treatments since these procedures may aggravate the infection. Luckily, the first stage of gum disease called gingivitis can usually be reversed with improved oral hygiene, and your dentist can address advanced infections with periodontal treatments like antibiotic therapy and scaling and root planing.
After your oral infection has been cleared up, your dentist will be more than happy to design a customized cosmetic dental treatment that suits your needs and preferences. Good oral health brings a wide range of benefits for your quality of life, and cosmetic dentistry may be the best way to achieve the smile of your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. Anil Patel earned his dental degree at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles and has provided top-notch dental care at his practice in Weatherford ever since. He is a proud Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association and a member of the American Dental Association. His office provides general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To learn if you can qualify for cosmetic treatments, contact him online or dial (817) 717-6788 to schedule a consultation.