Have you ever heard someone say, “beauty is pain”? Without a doubt, some treatments and habits that can make you look good are quite uncomfortable. Fortunately, that is not universally true! For example, there are a range of cosmetic dentistry treatments that cause little to no pain. Would you like to know more about what you can expect when you visit a cosmetic dentist near you? This blog post helps you to have realistic expectations for the road ahead.
Painless (or Nearly Painless) Cosmetic Treatments
Dental bonding is a popular cosmetic treatment that involves molding a tooth-colored resin over the teeth in order to hide imperfections, such as discoloration and misshapen teeth. It is one of the most comfortable procedures; in many cases, dentists do not even have to use local anesthesia for it.
Other non-invasive cosmetic treatments can also be surprisingly easy to endure. For example, teeth whitening may cause a temporary increase in sensitivity, but that tends to be easy to manage with dietary changes and over-the-counter medications. Veneers can also cause some sensitivity due to the required modifications to the tooth enamel. Again, though, any discomfort tends to be temporary and tolerable.
Some Treatments Cause Greater Discomfort
To be completely realistic, some treatments that can enhance your smile are invasive in nature. Thanks to anesthesia and possible sedation, the procedures themselves should be comfortable. Afterward, though, you can expect a degree of soreness.
For example, if you need to replace missing teeth with dental implants, you will have to undergo surgery. It might be a couple of weeks before swelling and lingering discomfort completely fade away. Gum recontouring, which involves the surgical removal of excess gum tissue, may also cause sensitivity, swelling, and soreness that last for a few weeks.
Your dentist will coach you on how you can minimize discomfort as you recover. If you follow the provided instructions, you should be back to feeling normal fairly quickly. However, if you run into any severe pain or other concerns during your post-treatment period, you should contact your dentist right away for assistance.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It?
Many patients are pleasantly surprised by just how easy it is to undergo cosmetic dentistry! They are also usually so happy about their results that it is easy to forget about any discomfort they experienced along the way.
If you have any concerns about how it might feel to undergo cosmetic procedures, talk to your dentist. They can help you have a realistic, balanced perspective on the road ahead.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group in Woodbridge, our team of dentists and specialists love to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. We also place a high value on patient comfort, which is why we offer sedation and use a soft tissue laser for some treatments. To learn more about us and how we may be able to provide you with a high-quality dental care experience, contact our office at 203-781-8051.