Sterile Start: Why You Need a Clean Mouth Before Cosmetic Dentistry

January 15, 2024

Nose to chin view of patient having oral examination

If you’re frustrated by flaws in your teeth, you’re probably considering various cosmetic dental treatments to resolve them. Whether you have chipped teeth that you wish to cover with porcelain veneers or want professional whitening services to remove years’ worth of stains, your dentist has solutions that can enhance your smile.

Before you begin, however, they’ll first have to examine your mouth to verify that everything is in good health. If you’re annoyed by this extra step, keep reading to learn 3 reasons why it’s so important!

Reason #1: Cavities

Though your dentist has the expertise and instruments necessary to improve the appearance of your grin, your well-being is their top priority. It’s possible to have cavities hiding in hard-to-see places like between your teeth or behind your molars that need to be repaired before pursuing elective procedures.

If left unaddressed, tooth decay can spread to your other teeth and even your jawbone. You wouldn’t want to invest in dental crowns or veneers just to replace them down the road because the underlying teeth have deteriorated.

Reason #2: Gum Disease

Another common issue that can delay your cosmetic treatment is gum disease. Unfortunately, it’s hard to know if you have it unless it’s already progressed to the advanced stages because that’s when it finally exhibits symptoms. As a result, nearly 75% of American adults have it and aren’t aware.

This is dangerous because it can enter your bloodstream and cause other health conditions like heart problems and diabetes, among others. Your dentist will help you heal your gums before moving forward.

Reason #3: Ongoing Maintenance

You might not be an ideal candidate for different dental procedures if you have oral health issues because of the maintenance required. If you want your teeth whitening to last, for example, you need to regularly brush and floss your teeth so that you don’t develop plaque or additional stains.

Other options, like dental crowns and veneers, can be a gathering place for cavity-causing bacteria if you don’t regularly clean them. If your dentist spots signs of issues early on, they’ll work with you to correct them so that you can successfully upgrade your smile.

If a dental dilemma is keeping you from enhancing your grin, don’t lose hope! Usually, the problems can be successfully handled with your dentist’s help. Then, when it’s all said and done, your smile will be happier and healthier than ever before!

About the Author

Dr. Dhavalkumar Rana takes pride in providing patients with a full range of high-quality individualized oral care services, including cosmetic dentistry. He earned his dental doctorate at the prestigious New York University and continues to stay up-to-date with the latest research and technologies in the field. He helps patients establish and maintain healthy hygiene habits at home to keep their teeth in prime condition. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (469) 399-7288.