Although regular dental checkups and cleanings are crucial to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, chances are that at some point in your life, you’ll need emergency dental care. Whether it’s a painful cavity that needs a filling, the replacement of a tooth that’s been knocked out, or repair of broken, chipped, or crooked teeth, your confidence in your dentist’s expertise will make all the difference in the world. By establishing a rapport with a dentist that you feel confident in, you ensure that no matter what the situation, your dental health will be taken care of with the highest and best quality. There are two basic areas of dentistry that you should know about. General dentistry meets your basic dental needs such as filling cavities and replacing missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with creating and maintaining healthy, beautiful smiles and offers procedures to enhance this aspect of appearance. Most cosmetic dentists have been trained in general dentistry, so they can take care of your basic dental needs. However, they understand the importance of going beyond the basics. They know that your smile is important for self confidence and success, both in the business world and in the social world. The beauty of this combined practice is that your relationship with your cosmetic dentist allows you the opportunity to establish a rapport through regular dental exams and hygiene. As your cosmetic dentist gets to know you and your mouth, together, you can create a plan that further enhances oral health and beauty. In addition, many cosmetic dentists are also highly trained in a third dental specialty called neuromuscular dentistry. This is the area of dentistry concerned with the jawbone, which includes the muscles and joint that moves the lower jaw. Specialized cosmetic dentists recognize the importance of neuromuscular dentistry in the big picture of oral health care. How to Choose the Dentist that’s Right for You First, be clear on what it is that you want from your dentist. Support for general dental care through exams and dental hygiene are foundational to any healthy teeth and gums, so be sure you choose a dentist that provides general dentistry. If you have head, neck, shoulder or back pain; jaw problems including clicking and shifting; and if you grind your teeth at night, be sure your dentist is also trained in diagnosing and treating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Because you know the value of a healthy, beautiful smile, having a dentist that knows your needs and desires for enhancing your smile through cosmetic dentistry is important. Make sure your dentist provides a variety of options, including a consultation that allows the two of you to determine your best plan of action. If you’re in the Portland, Oregon area and are in need of any of these dental options, please contact Wendling Cosmetic and Reconstructive Dentistry to set up a consultation.
Related Articles -
Oregon laser dentistry, Oregon Lumineers, Oregon LVI dentist, Oregon neuromuscular dentist, Oregon neuromuscular dentistry, Oregon periodontal therapy,
|