Having a smile that exudes confidence is a dream for many people. It can make you feel good, but how can you get to that goal? Your dentist is here to help with the many cosmetic dental treatments out there. They do a great job of giving you a gorgeous grin, but some may ask if these services are painful to get. Continue reading to learn more about what you can expect.
So, Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
If you avoid the dentist because of perceived discomfort, you aren’t alone. A lot of people assume that all dental work will lead to some pain. Thankfully, this isn’t true about cosmetic dentistry, or any other type of treatment, as a matter of fact!
Your dentist’s goal is to make you as comfortable as possible and make the entire visit stress-free. This is especially true of services that are meant to spruce up your smile. Many of these procedures are noninvasive, so you won’t feel the discomfort you might be imagining. If you are still worried, then you can always talk to your dentist about anesthesia or a mild sedation option if you’re especially anxious.
Are There Any Treatments That Are Painless?
Popular cosmetic dental treatments often have little to no discomfort involved in them. Here’s why this is the case for a few of them:
- Professional Teeth Whitening: Your dentist takes steps to ensure your smile stays safe throughout this service. They protect your gums before applying a high-quality bleaching agent to your teeth, followed by a protective sealant to reduce any sensitivity. Even the take-home option your dentist can give you is safe, as you just need to follow their instructions to get the brighter smile you want. Many people don’t feel any discomfort afterward, but if they do, it’s short-lived.
- Dental Veneers: The first step to getting this service is the preparation of your teeth. This involves removing a small amount of enamel, but your dentist will thoroughly numb your mouth, so you don’t feel much of anything. Minor sensitivity may be expected, but it will be manageable.
- Dental Bonding: In this treatment, your dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to fix minor flaws, like chips. It’s a quick and easy process that, most times, local anesthesia isn’t even needed.
What If I Feel Some Minor Discomfort?
For more invasive procedures, like a dental crown or implant, some soreness is expected while you are recovering. The good news is that you shouldn’t feel discomfort during the treatment, as you were given a powerful local anesthetic, but once it wears off, you may feel a bit tender. Thankfully, getting plenty of rest, taking over-the-counter medications, and using a cold compress can help alleviate any pain you feel.
The dream you have for an aesthetic smile can come true with the help of your dentist. Modern dental techniques and equipment have made transforming your grin easier than ever before. In the end, you’ll be able to show off a smile that is renewed and painless.
About the Practice
At Grant E. & Mark A. Smith DDS, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your smile. We understand how a less-than-perfect grin can make you feel self-conscious, so we offer a wide variety of treatments to give you the dental makeover you want. Our goal is to ensure you are comfortable every step of the way toward your desired results, so we use state-of-the-art equipment. If you want to learn more about these procedures easily, schedule an appointment or call us at (903) 893-8030.