Why Is Good Oral Health Necessary for Cosmetic Treatment?

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 in order to feel more confident about showing them off. However, there are certain oral health issues that will need to be treated ahead of time and for good reason. Continue reading to learn more from a cosmetic dentist about why having excellent oral health is necessary before these types of elective treatments.

Why Do Dental Issues Need to Be Treated First?

When you go to get cosmetic dental work done, one of the first things that your cosmetic dentist will do is examine your mouth to ensure that it is in good health. This is because existing issues can become either hidden or even worsened by some treatments. Even though your dentist looks forward to helping you work towards your smile goals, your oral health is the number one priority, even in cosmetic dentistry.

Which Oral Health Issues Need to Be Eliminated Before Cosmetic Treatment?

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 that your cosmetic dentist looks for:

• Tooth decay: Most of the time, when a patient must put off their cosmetic dental treatment, it is because they have a cavity or two in their mouth. Some procedures cannot be completed safely is there is preexisting tooth decay. For example, porcelain veneers can cover up decay and make it much more difficult to detect until it becomes more 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 as well as other issues.

• Gum disease: Did you know that approximately half of adults over the age of 30 are suffering from periodontal disease? When left to progress, 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.

If you’re considering cosmetic dental treatment to enhance your smile, you should check with your dentist ahead of time to ensure that your mouth is in good health and you are ready to go!

About the Author

Dr. Ahmed Saad is an experienced dentist who has been working in the dental field for over 15 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the USC School of Dentistry and has been completing continuing education courses ever since. He has also spent time volunteering with the UCLA/USC mobile clinic and the Downey Dental Association to provide essential dental care to children in need. Dr. Saad offers a variety of different cosmetic services at his practice in Vienna, VA. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (703) 938-6800.