Is It Essential To See My Regular Dentist Before My Cosmetic Dentist?

Forest Smiles – The Best Dentist in Lynchburg, VA

If you have a cosmetic dentistry procedure coming up it may be essential that you go and visit your general dentist first to ensure that your cosmetic dentist is able to perform the cosmetic dental procedure.  By visiting your general dentist, he may be able to eliminate certain risk factors that would likely alleviate your cosmetic dentist’s concerns.

 

While at your general dentist, you may even be surprised to find that he or she may even be able to perform the cosmetic dental procedure themselves and usually at a reduced price-tag.   You will have to make that determination for yourself.  Make sure to read up on the general dentist you see, speak to current and former patients and schedule a consultation with your general dentist to find out some key points:

1) If they have ever performed the cosmetic procedure prior

2) How many times they have performed the cosmetic procedure.

 

Still, if you feel more confident going with a dental professional who specializes in cosmetic dentistry a visit to your general dentist may be essential, especially if it has been a long time since your last visit.

 

Call for an appointment with your general dentist to make sure that you do not have any cavities, excessive plaque, cracked teeth, gum disease, inflamed gums, or any other symptoms that may hinder your cosmetic dental procedure.  If you have one or any of these symptoms and you show up for your visit with your cosmetic dentist, your cosmetic dentist may not be able to perform the procedure.  Or, he will have to remedy those issues first and charge you likely more so than what your general dentist will.  They may even have you go see your general dentist anyway before performing the procedure, wasting time and money!

 

While you are at your general dentist, you may want to consult with him on minor cosmetic dental procedures such teeth replacement, whitening of teeth or fixing broken teeth.  Chances are that they will be able to help you with that issue.  The biggest cosmetic procedure that most general dentists will not attempt is teeth straightening.  However, your general dentist will be able to consult with you the necessary steps leading up to that type of procedure and recommend you a good cosmetic dentist who can perform that type of procedure.

 

Many adults do not stick to the recommended twice a year visit to their dentist.  But if you are one of them and you are in good health then you will probably not need to see your general dentist prior to cosmetic dentist.  However, you may want to just either call or visit  them for the reasons outlined above.

 

Finally, if you feel comfortable enough with your cosmetic dentist and they tell you that it is not necessary to see your general dentist than use your discretion.  They may not want to lose you as a client but they may also be saving you an unnecessary trip!