Many people have used cosmetic dentistry to achieve more beautiful smiles, but it’s important to have healthy teeth and gums before you undergo one of these procedures. Applying a cosmetic treatment to a damaged or decayed tooth can potentially cause a great deal of discomfort and may even worsen a dental infection. Here’s a brief guide to a few popular aesthetic dental procedures and why you must be in good oral health to receive them.
Teeth Whitening
Many people are frustrated with unsightly stains or discoloration in their smiles, and teeth whitening treatment from your dentist is the best way to achieve a shinier grin. However, these treatments use concentrated whitening agents that, while harmless to the enamel, can cause damage and discomfort if applied to the vulnerable pulp tissue inside a tooth or its roots. To prevent this from happening, your dentist will inspect your teeth to ensure that it is free from dental injuries, tooth decay, and gum disease during your consultation.
Dental Bonding
While minor dental cracks, stains, gaps, and chips are quite common, they can distract observers from the more pleasing aspects of your smile. Luckily, your dentist can often address these issues with dental bonding, a cosmetic treatment that can conceal these defects with a lifelike restoration in minutes during a routine dental appointment.
To do this, your dentist will apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the defect before shaping it to match the natural curves of your smile and hardening it with a specialized light. This treatment is so incredibly noninvasive that it is completely painless without anesthesia, so you should be able to drive home afterward. However, performing this treatment on a decayed tooth can shelter the infection and hide its symptoms, allowing the issue to go undetected for a longer time.
Can I Receive Cosmetic Dentistry if I Have Oral Infections?
The good news is that most people with tooth decay or gum disease can receive cosmetic dentistry after undergoing restorative treatments to resolve these infections. Your dentist may address the problem with a tooth-colored filling or a root canal to address dental decay or periodontal therapy to restore the health of the gums. Your dentist will be sure to carefully explain what treatments will be necessary before you can receive cosmetic treatments during your consultation.
Don’t let tooth decay or gum disease stand in the way of you achieving your ideal smile. Booking a cosmetic consultation with your dentist can set you up to enjoy a gorgeous grin for years to come.
About the Author
Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh earned his dental degree at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry and regularly refines his skillset through continuing education programs. He is also an active member of the American Dental Association as was nominated as one of “America’s Best Dentists” in 2015 and 2016. His office in Carrollton offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (972) 820-7294.