Are you happy with the smile you see when you look in the mirror? If not, what’s stopping you from making some positive changes with help from a cosmetic dentist? If you’re nervous that cosmetic procedures like veneers, bonding, or teeth whitening may cause you pain, you can relax. Discover why modern cosmetic dentistry is more comfortable than ever before.
Advances in Patient Comfort
Cosmetic dental treatment should not be painful in the slightest for a few different reasons. First, advances in dental technology mean that certain procedures are much less invasive than they used to be. For example, many dentists now use a soft tissue laser to reshape the gum line instead of a scalpel. This high-tech device removes tissue with greater precision while simultaneously cauterizing the area. This means less bleeding, little or no discomfort, and a reduced risk of infection.
Your cosmetic dentist can also administer a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort during cosmetic treatment. If you are planning on extensive cosmetic work or experience dental anxiety, they may offer dental sedation.
Which Cosmetic Dental Treatments Are Painless?
Some of the most popular cosmetic dental services involve little or no discomfort, including:
- Professional Teeth Whitening – Both in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits can dramatically brighten your smile with no pain. At most, you may feel some mild tooth sensitivity.
- Direct Bonding – Bonding is a quick and easy way to hide small gaps, stains, and other imperfections. This affordable procedure typically does not require any local anesthetic.
- Veneers – Your dentist will numb your mouth before shaving a tiny layer of enamel off your teeth to make room for your veneers.
Are Any Cosmetic Dental Treatments Painful?
Some extensive procedures, like extracting a tooth and replacing it with a dental implant, typically involve a recovery period with some discomfort. While anesthesia or sedation will prevent pain during the procedure, your mouth may feel sore for a few days afterward. For treatments like these, be sure to take over-the-counter or prescription medication as directed by your dentist and avoid exercise or strenuous physical activity for several days. You can also hold a cold compress to your cheek to reduce any swelling.
In addition, if your dentist has to remove tooth decay to complete your cosmetic procedure, you may feel some slight irritation afterward. For example, a dental filling can only be placed after removing decay from the compromised tooth. Your mouth will likely be numbed during the procedure, but the affected tooth may be extra sensitive toward hot and cold foods and beverages for a few days or even weeks following the procedure.
Talk to Your Cosmetic Dentist Today
If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, don’t let fear of pain stop you from making your dream smile a reality. Ask your dentist what modern technology and dental sedation options they offer to prioritize your comfort during your cosmetic makeover.
About the Author
Dr. Erin M. Prach believes every patient deserves to have the dazzling smile of their dreams. That’s why she offers teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, all-ceramic restorations, tooth-colored fillings, and other cosmetic services at her private practice in Casper, WY. To learn more about what to expect from cosmetic dentistry, visit Dr. Prach’s website or call 307-337-4770.