You may want a smile makeover to give you the smile you’ve always desired, but as a dentist, it’s Dr. Chang’s responsibility to make sure your mouth is healthy enough for one, first. The truth is, there are a variety of oral health conditions that Cambridge residents may need to address before having cosmetic dentistry procedures performed.
Here’s a list of 4 common oral health conditions you might need to have addressed before you can proceed with your desired aesthetic changes.
- You Need a Tooth Extraction
Tooth Extraction Before Cosmetic Dentistry
If you want a smile makeover, but you have a badly injured or diseased tooth, it’s time to address it, first. Often teeth in this kind of condition require tooth extractions as they simply can’t be saved. But don’t worry. If you need a tooth surgically removed due to facial trauma or severe tooth decay, you can always add getting a dental implant into your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan. - You Have Any Stage of Periodontal Disease
Treating Gum Disease Before a Makeover
Periodontal disease, also known as advanced gum disease, can lead to serious issues with your gums and entire mouth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to a more serious condition that causes Cambridge residents to develop pockets of pus between their teeth, have teeth move, have gums recede, and even have teeth fall out!
If your gums aren’t healthy, you need to address them first before you can proceed with a smile makeover. See Dr. Chang at Cambridge’s Dental Restorative Group to have proper periodontal treatments before you move forward with your cosmetic dentistry desires. - You Need a Gum Graft
When Gum Grafting Is Needed
Some Cambridge residents with advanced stages of periodontal disease have suffered so much gum tissue loss; they need a gum graft surgery to replace their missing gum tissue. Not only does this surgery replace missing gums, but it also protects your teeth roots.
While you may desire a smile makeover, making sure your mouth is healthy is our top priority. Certain cosmetic dentistry procedures such as teeth whitening may also be too uncomfortable for patients who don’t have adequate gum tissue. - You’ve Experienced Jaw Bone Resorption
Jaw Bone Resorption and Dental Implants
A common cosmetic dentistry desire is getting dental implants placed. When this procedure is desired to replace missing teeth, it’s important that Cambridge patients have Dr. Chang check to make sure they have enough jaw bone tissue to have the implants placed.
You see, your tooth root acts not only as an anchor to secure your tooth in place, but it also stimulates your jaw bone growth. When teeth have been missing for some time, that means the jaw bone hasn’t been stimulated and could have shrunk as a result.
You need a specific amount of jaw bone tissue not only to maintain your facial structure, but also to ensure your dental implants can be surgically placed in your jaw bone, and fuse with them. If you don’t naturally have this amount of jaw bone available, you’ll need a jaw bone graft surgery to “regrow” the jaw bone tissue you’ve lost.
Learning More About Smile Makeover Requirements
Planning Your Smile Makeover Consultation
If you want to make cosmetic changes to your smile, but aren’t sure if you need some medically necessary interventions first, simply visit our office. Dr. Chang is happy to perform a complete oral exam to discuss any dental needs you may have, as well as your wishes for aesthetic treatments.
To schedule an appointment, contact our office in Cambridge today at (617) 492-5081.
Related Reading
- 6 Issues a Smile Makeover Can Correct
- Before the Wedding Photos: Cosmetic Dentistry Tips for Your Summer Smile Makeover
- Smile Makeover Season: What to Know Before You Whiten Your Teeth
Frequently Asked Questions
What dental problems must be fixed before a smile makeover?
Dr. Chang looks first at the health of your mouth, including badly damaged teeth that may need extraction, any stage of periodontal disease, gum tissue loss that may call for a graft, and jaw bone resorption that could affect dental implant placement.
Can I get cosmetic dentistry if I have gum disease?
Gum disease should be treated first. Left untreated, gingivitis can progress and cause pockets of pus between teeth, shifting teeth, receding gums, and even tooth loss. Once your gums are healthy again, you can move forward with your cosmetic dentistry plans.
Do I need a gum graft before veneers or whitening?
You might, if advanced periodontal disease has caused significant gum tissue loss. A gum graft replaces missing tissue and also protects your tooth roots. Some cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening, can be uncomfortable when there is not enough healthy gum tissue.
Why does jaw bone matter for dental implants?
A tooth root anchors the tooth and also stimulates jaw bone growth. When teeth have been missing for some time, that bone can shrink. Enough bone is needed to support your facial structure and to allow an implant to be placed and fuse in the jaw.
What if I do not have enough jaw bone for implants?
A jaw bone graft can regrow the bone tissue that has been lost, creating a foundation for implant placement. Dr. Chang will evaluate your bone during an exam and let you know whether grafting should come before your dental implant surgery.
How do I find out what I need before a smile makeover?
Schedule a complete oral exam at our Cambridge office. Dr. Chang will review the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw bone, discuss any treatment you may need first, and talk through the aesthetic changes you would like to make to your smile.
