Cosmetic Dentistry Directory Blog

One of the beneficial changes that cosmetic dentistry has brought to the whole field of dentistry is a preventive approach. It is always better to treat a problem early, before it grows into a big problem. Preventive dentistry involves another advantage too – more patient education.

These two advantages go hand in hand because to understand the importance of preventive procedures, you need to understand what the potential problems are and what their early signs and symptoms would be.

Catching Oral Cancer Early

A trained cosmetic dentist can give you a quick test, taking perhaps five minutes, and if that test finds any abnormal cells in your mouth tissues, you might have just saved your life, or at least saved yourself tremendous pain and expense in the future.

Your dentist would take a tissue sample, send it to a lab, and you would soon know why those cells are abnormal and what to do about it. They may not be pre-cancer cells; there could be another problem. However, oral cancer can be treated fairly easily and effectively when it is diagnosed early.

Catching Cavities Early

Catching a cavity is less dramatic, perhaps, but it can still save you a lot of trouble and expense. A tiny cavity is easy to fill – it could possibly be done within minutes during the same visit. How much more sensible that is than waiting for months until your tooth’s nerve is dying and giving you a toothache. By that time, you would need a root canal, the dental procedure most famous for its pain.

However, that is no longer true because dentistry advancements have made a root canal far quicker, easier, safer, and more comfortable than it was in the past. A laser can be used to remove decay and debris, or perhaps air abrasion for some of it.

Catching Gum Disease Early

Early gum disease features reddened and perhaps swollen gums. When you brush and floss, they may bleed a little. Bacteria have spread in your mouth and established themselves below the gum line, creating or enlarging what are called “pockets” -- spaces between each tooth and its surrounding gums. Now they have access to the tooth roots.

Early detection of gum disease can make correction fairly easy. But once you get past the early stage of gingivitis and progress to full-fledged periodontal disease, there is a vicious cycle that is much harder to treat.

For more about the ways dental problems can be detected early, please see our page on Dental Technology: Catching Problems Early.

Most cosmetic dentists offer sedation dentistry – some form of mild sedative along with local anesthetic so that you can relax and stay calm. Think how much more comfortable life would be if, instead of delaying dental care out of apprehension, you went to your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. You would know that if there is any developing problem in your mouth, it will be found and treated early, when it is all quick, cheap, and easy.

If you would like to talk to a cosmetic dentist in your area, please contact us today.