Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in the appearance of your smile, but before you spend your hard-earned money on a treatment, it makes sense to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. Otherwise, not only will you lose money, but you could also ultimately need more dental work than you bargained for. Here’s why your dentist requires a dental examination before any cosmetic work, and which corrective procedures may be necessary.
The Dangers of Untreated Oral Health Problems
Say for example you’re interested in getting a new set of veneers. Maybe your teeth are discolored or you’re unhappy with their shape or size. But what if you have an undiagnosed cavity? If your dentist were to simply cover it up with a veneer, it wouldn’t make the damage go away. In fact, not only would it get worse, but it would also require even more work to correct. If caught in time, your dentist would still need to remove your veneer to repair it, and if not, it could eventually require a crown, root canal, or even an extraction!
Another good example is professional teeth whitening. While this treatment is fast and extremely effective (it can erase up to eight shades of discoloration in about an hour), if you have any tooth decay or gum recession that may be causing sensitivity, it could make that discomfort a whole lot worse. Thus, it makes sense to treat this before attempting a cosmetic procedure.
What to Expect at Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
Before you can get any cosmetic dentistry procedure, you’ll need to see your dentist for a consultation first. At this appointment, your dentist will evaluate your teeth and gums to ensure that they are in good health. If there are any problems diagnosed, they will provide some treatment options for you that should be performed prior to undergoing any cosmetic work. They can also discuss some different procedures that can help you achieve your smile goals and provide you with a cost estimate.
Remember, while you may not think you need to be evaluated before scheduling a cosmetic dentistry procedure, it’s important to be seen by your dentist for a screening first. This will ensure that your teeth and gums are in healthy enough condition to undergo treatment and help introduce you to your options for creating your best smile ever!
About Dr. Fromuth
Dr. Robert C. Fromuth believes that open communication between dentist and patient is an essential element to promoting excellent oral health. This helps ensure that they will feel comfortable coming to him when they have a problem, and rely on his honest, unbiased opinion when making decisions about their care. If you’re interested in undergoing a cosmetic dentistry treatment, you can trust Dr. Fromuth and the team at Fromuth & Langlois Dental of Manchester to always have your best interest at heart.
To schedule an appointment for a cosmetic dentistry consultation, please visit our website or call us today at 603-644-3368.