Are Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

You are not necessarily a “Nervous Nelly” to be concerned about safety. While some are content to take risks, you tend to stick with what’s known and comfortable. But, then again, you have wanted to make visual improvements to your smile for a while now.

You don’t want to do anything too drastic, but you may be wondering whether cosmetic dentistry is safe for you. Keep reading to learn why you shouldn’t let your safety concerns bother you and how your dentist can be a powerful ally in this situation.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Other than improving how your teeth appear, cosmetic procedures can have a positive effect on you in general. For instance, when you’ve taken the time and effort to perfect your teeth with cosmetic work, you are more likely to maintain it through daily hygiene and regular dental visits. In other words, you’ll probably enjoy better oral health as a result.

After cosmetic dental procedures, you are also more likely to show your smile, which not only brightens the day for everyone you come into contact with but also gives you a mood boost!

When Cosmetic Dentistry Isn’t Safe

Although most patients who desire to undergo cosmetic dentistry qualify for treatment, not everyone does. Some have pre-existing issues like gum disease or tooth decay. If these or other problems are present, cosmetic procedures shouldn’t be performed.

Let’s say you want veneers on your front teeth, but after the examination with your dentist, they reveal that you have a cavity in one of the teeth. If you ignore the problem, that tooth will be compromised and unable to support a veneer. Plus, the cavity will only continue to worsen, putting your tooth at risk of further damage.

Putting Safety Concerns to Rest

Some procedures, namely veneers or all-ceramic crowns, involve making permanent changes to your tooth structure. While this may seem scary at first, you will have no pain. Prior to removing the necessary enamel, your mouth will be numbed with a local anesthetic.

It’s natural to be concerned about safety, especially if you aren’t familiar with a particular procedure. However, your dentist has protocols in place and won’t let you go into treatment blindly. Before you can get any treatment, they will examine your mouth to make sure you don’t have any higher-priority needs. If your smile does not pass this examination, you will need to postpone cosmetic work until these issues are resolved.

In short, your dentist will make sure you’re a good candidate and won’t put you in harm’s way!

In the end, cosmetic dentistry is perfectly safe—as long as you work with the right dentist. They can make sure your smile is healthy enough and you’re comfortable throughout the process. With this reassurance, you can go into cosmetic procedure with confidence and excitement!

About the Practice

At Applegate Dental, we offer services ranging from routine preventive care to complex cosmetic work. Our skilled, caring dentists have undergone years of advanced training and can perform nearly every procedure in-house. With the patient’s individual needs in mind, we customize treatments to give our patients their best possible smile. To schedule an appointment with us, you may visit our Contact Us page here or call 716-668-4646.