Why You Need a Healthy Smile Before Beginning Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re feeling self-conscious about the imperfections in your smile, you have probably already considered asking your dentist about cosmetic dentistry. But before you schedule a consultation, take note: your teeth and gums need to be in good health prior to any cosmetic procedures. Below is a brief look at why cavities and gum disease need to be taken care of before you can focus on improving the aesthetics of your grin.

What Types of Cosmetic Dentistry are Available?

It’s important to be aware of the options that your dentist has to offer when it comes to improving your smile. Some common examples of cosmetic dentistry include:

• Veneers for correcting a wide range of flaws, including minor cracks and stains that won’t go away.
• Dental bonding for making one or two quick improvements to the teeth.
• Teeth whitening for brightening enamel that has become discolored over the years.

How Can Poor Oral Health Be an Obstacle for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Trying to have cosmetic dentistry performed while you’re suffering from oral health issues could lead to unintended consequences. For instance, veneers could potentially cover any cavities that you might have, which could ultimately make it harder to address the problem. Additionally, if you try to have teeth whitening performed while suffering from tooth decay and gum disease, you may experience discomfort and sensitivity.

It’s also important to remember that oral health issues have a tendency to grow significantly worse over time. If cavities and gum disease are left alone for too long, they can ultimately result in tooth loss. For this reason, your dentist will definitely recommend having any problems in your mouth treated before you focus on cosmetic dentistry; after all, there is little point in worrying about how your teeth look if you ultimately end up losing them.

How Can Cavities and Gum Disease Be Treated?

Your dentist will need to examine your teeth and gums carefully to determine how severe the problem is before suggesting possible solutions. Small cavities can often be treated with fillings, but more extensive cases of decay might call for a root canal treatment. Gum disease can sometimes be reversed with good oral hygiene; in other cases, though, a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing might be required.

Are you ready to take the first steps toward creating the smile of your dreams? Reach out to your dentist to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation; they can check to make sure that your teeth and gums are in good shape, and they’ll let you know if there are any steps you’ll need to take to restore your oral health first.

About the Practice

At Blue Coast Dental Group, patients have the advantage of being able to see multiple specialists under a single roof. Whatever your smile needs – be it cosmetic dentistry to enhance its appearance or restorative dentistry to improve its health – you can rest assured that we’ll be able to provide it. You can schedule an appointment at our office in Torrance by visiting our website or calling (310) 424-3100.