Would you like to enhance your smile? You may be thinking about visiting a local cosmetic dentist for a consultation. Still, you may hesitate, particularly if you are concerned that your procedure might cause some discomfort. Fortunately, most cosmetic treatments are quite easy to get through! Let’s discuss what you may feel during and after some common aesthetic services.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatments open the pores in tooth enamel so they can remove even deep-set stains. A common side effect is increased sensitivity to hot, cold, and acidic foods. This is mild for most patients and tends to dissipate relatively quickly. In the meantime, you can mitigate any discomfort by altering your diet.
Also, before you commit to whitening, be sure to let your dentist know if you are concerned about sensitivity. They may modify your treatment to decrease the risk of sensitivity.
Veneers
During the preparation part of the veneers process, a bit of enamel must be removed from the teeth. You will likely be numbed during this portion of your treatment, so you might feel some pressure in your mouth but no real pain. After your veneers are placed, some gum tenderness and dental sensitivity might occur. However, your smile should soon be pain-free; veneers protect the teeth from outside stimuli, so the end, they may actually decrease sensitivity.
If you are looking for a more conservative option, ask your dentist about Lumineers. They usually require no tooth modification, meaning that the whole procedure is quite comfortable.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding involves molding a tooth-colored resin over a tooth in order to change its appearance. The procedure is quick and quite comfortable; in most cases, no local anesthesia is necessary. Of course, a numbing agent can be used if your teeth are particularly sensitive.
Gum Recontouring
Gum recontouring is a surgery wherein excess gum tissue is removed to create a more proportionate smile. Local anesthesia, along with possible sedation, often plays a key role in contributing to patient comfort during this procedure.
When gum recontouring is performed with a traditional scalpel, it can cause some significant post-op discomfort. Fortunately, many dentists have upgraded to soft tissue laser dentistry. The laser cauterizes the tissue as it moves, thereby minimizing bleeding and pain. It leads to a drastically reduced recovery time.
Managing Pain
If you experience significant pain during or after a cosmetic procedure, don’t hesitate to let your dentist know. They will do all they can to address the problem, whether that involves administering more numbing medication, giving you advice for at-home care, or taking other steps. They want you to have a positive experience!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Ben Sutter is a highly accomplished general and cosmetic dentist in Eugene, OR. He is proud to offer a wide range of aesthetic treatments. Oral conscious sedation is available for patients who struggle with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or other conditions that can make dental procedures uncomfortable. If you would like to learn more about Dr. Sutter and how he may be able to help you achieve your ideal smile, contact our office at 541-515-7279.