Will Your Cosmetic Dental Procedure be a Painful Process?

Far too often, you’ve heard the cliché, “no pain, no gain.” While that may be acceptable for an athlete or a member of the armed forces, chances are you’re not eager to have to endure a painful experience just to upgrade your smile. If it appears that discomfort is inevitable, you may decide to place your smile dreams on hold. What if the idea of having to be in pain is merely a myth? To get the real scoop on cosmetic dentistry in Plano, continue reading!

Cosmetic Dentistry – Pain or No Pain?

The notion of cosmetic dentistry being painful is based on the past – decades ago – when many of the procedures being used today were still in the fledgling stages. Thus, one of the benefits patients have of receiving cosmetic dental care in the 21^st century is that procedural steps and technology have skyrocketed. Not only does this translate into more effective outcomes, but also limited discomfort-to-painless experiences for patients.

What to Expect from Cosmetic Dental Procedures

When it comes to some of the more typical cosmetic methods, here’s what to anticipate:

Teeth Whitening

High-powered bleaches are used to lift stubborn stains and discoloration. The procedure is typically painless. However, in some cases, patients experience tooth sensitivity, which can be helped by using toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Unique in that they offer restorative and cosmetic benefits, tooth-colored fillings can often be placed without any discomfort. However, if there is tooth decay present, there could be some sensitivity. The good thing is that it’s usually minimal and can be offset with the application of numbing medication.

Porcelain Veneers

The porcelain veneers process requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel to allow the ceramic shells to fit properly. While the enamel removal leaves the sensitive dentin exposed, any potential discomfort is offset by the cosmetic dentist placing temporary veneers.

Direct Cosmetic Tooth Bonding

Not only is direct cosmetic tooth bonding one of the faster procedures, but it also allows for a painless experience. The composite resin application amounts to a symmetrical smile without the hassle of having to feel unwanted discomfort, and it’s usually completed in a single visit.

What Happens if There is Discomfort?

In the event that a cosmetic procedure leaves you with any soreness after completion, the most frequently recommended solution is an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin). In most cases, it will help to alleviate any swelling and discomfort. Another way to help to reduce any inflammation is to apply a cold compress to the outside of the treatment area for around 15-20 minutes.

If you’ve been putting off any aesthetic dental work because of horror stories or pre-existing fears, it never hurts to reach out to a cosmetic dentist in Plano to schedule a consultation. This will allow you to get a full explanation of what to expect from your procedure and to further calm any concerns you may have about being in pain. With better education, you can feel secure in moving forward to revitalize your smile!

About the Author

For the past two decades, Dr. Bita Kamali has been helping her patients achieve smile bliss. Known for her gentle hands, the Baylor College of Dentistry graduate delivers amazing results minus the unwanted discomfort. To learn more about how Dr. Kamali can help you or to request a consultation, visit her website.