When it comes to dentistry, anything you’ve never experienced before can seem daunting. Maybe there are things about your smile that you want to change, and perhaps you’re considering cosmetic dentistry as an option for a smile transformation. It’s completely normal for you to have questions, and one of the most common ones is, “does cosmetic dentistry hurt?” The truth is, it depends on what you are having done, but anytime work is done to your teeth, it’s going to cause them to feel different. The good news is, you don’t have to be concerned about pain when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. From sedation options to tips for reducing soreness, your local dentist has all the information you need to know about the different types of cosmetic dentistry, what to expect from each, and how to care for your mouth afterward.
Cosmetic Dental Treatments Involving Little to No Pain
There are certain cosmetic dental treatments that carry little to no risk of pain at all:
- Porcelain Veneers: When it comes to these paper-thin tooth-like shells that your dentist can adhere to the front of your natural teeth to hide flaws, there shouldn’t be any pain involved. Your dentist will only need to alter the natural teeth slightly, and there are no drills or injections involved.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is probably the least invasive cosmetic dental procedure that exists. Whether it’s in-office with state-of-the-art modern tools, or a take-home kit with customized trays and prescription-strength whitening gel, teeth whitening is a quick, easy, and painless process.
Cosmetic Dental Procedures That May Require Sedatives or Mild Pain Management
In certain cases, it may be necessary for your dentist to provide you with a sedative in order to prevent mild discomfort. For example, many patients decide to have old silver-colored amalgam fillings or crowns replaced with a more modern tooth-colored composite resin. During this process, the nerves beneath the restoration will be exposed for a time, and especially if there has been additional decay, there could be significant discomfort involved. Your dentist will provide you with a numbing agent or a sedative so that you won’t be able to feel anything around the area while they are working.
How to Avoid Pain After Cosmetic Dentistry
If the cosmetic procedure you are going to be receiving is likely to cause you any discomfort at all, your dentist will know to prepare you. Not only will they discuss sedation options with you beforehand, but they will also recommend steps you can take after the procedure to help reduce the risk of pain. Some methods they might suggest are:
- Take pain medication. Whether it’s over-the-counter or prescription, your dentist will likely recommend that you take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever in order to reduce pain caused by swelling.
- Get plenty of rest afterward. Whenever you sleep, your body uses the opportunity to heal itself. Your dentist will probably tell you that getting plenty of rest over the next few days is crucial to your repair time. Additionally, if your treatment required a sedative, there’s a good chance that you might need to sleep off the effects of it.
- Apply a cold compress. If there is swelling involved after your treatment, applying a cold compress can help reduce it and keep pain at bay. If you don’t have an ice pack, a bag of frozen veggies or fruit works great as well!
Don’t let concern over pain deter you from having the smile of your dreams. Even if there is slight discomfort involved, your cosmetic dentist will do everything within their power to ensure that your experience is painless and effective.
About the Practice
If you are searching for a cosmetic dentist who can provide you with the highest caliber of care in a comfortable environment where you know you are in good hands, then look no further than Dr. George A. Hoop at Total Dental Solutions for Adults. He is passionate about each of his patients being able to receive the smiles of their dreams, and he will stop at nothing to do whatever is necessary to ease your mind about your next cosmetic dental procedure. His years of training and expertise make his practice an excellent choice for you. Do you want to learn more? Request a consultation at one of our two convenient locations online or call (239) 939-7299.