Best Possible Dental Treatment First
By Dr. Bilal Ahmed | Published on June 30, 2011 | 0 Comments
No matter what a patient’s budget is or cosmetic dental desires are, Dr. Bilal Ahmed, of Universal Smiles DC, always presents the patient with the best possible treatment first. Being a cosmetic dentist in Washington D.C., Ahmed has come across many patients of various backgrounds, and he believes that any reputable medical professional should advise his patients on procedures that are unnecessary or beyond the scope the he feels is needed.
When Ahmed comes across a patient with a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth there are four possible directions this Washington, D.C., cosmetic dentist may go:
- Veneers
- Cosmetic filling
- Crowns
- Dental implants
Veneers, Crowns, and Cosmetic Fillings
If the tooth is just slightly chipped, then Ahmed is usually going to recommend to his patients a simple veneer, crown or cosmetic filling. If there is a crack in the tooth, then these procedures may be an option too; but if the crack has affected the nerve of the tooth, then a root canal may have to occur, followed up by a dental implant.
Dental Implants
Dental implants by the Washington, D.C., dentist are only for teeth that are non-restorable. The option of getting a bridge in your mouth is an option as well, but Ahmed, in most cases, is going to lean towards dental implants. This is because dental implants don’t affect the integrity of the surrounding teeth, plus can last a lifetime. With dental bridges, even when replacing a single missing tooth, the integrity of the neighboring teeth and bone may be compromised over time. Moreover, dental bridges need to be replaced every 7 o 10 years.
Health Concerns with Damaged Teeth
Some people may not be too concerned with a missing tooth due to an injury, and do not see any real reason to replace a missing tooth due to financial restrictions or simply don’t mind the space between their teeth. And while most people do get cosmetic dental care on anterior teeth usually, if there is a chipped or cracked tooth that doesn’t need to come out of the mouth and is a posterior tooth, Dr. Ahmed usually doesn’t push his patients to have cosmetic dentistry in that area.
On the other hand, if the tooth has to be removed, no matter anterior or posterior, then some sort of cosmetic fix needs to take place. This is because when one is missing a tooth, the surrounding teeth start to shift, gum and bone get compromised, and food is easier stuck in the teeth with a gap, which could lead to a bacterial infection.
You want a dentist who will tell you straight what you need – even if you don’t like the recommendation. In the end, your teeth will thank you.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.