“Beauty is pain.” Have you ever heard that phrase? It is true that some parts of an effective beauty regimen may be uncomfortable. But what about your smile? If you visit your dentist for cosmetic treatments, can you expect the process to be painful? You might be surprised by how easy the experience is! In this blog post, you will learn what you can expect on your journey to achieving your dream smile.
What Do Cosmetic Treatments Feel Like?
Your dentist will do all they can to minimize discomfort during and after your procedure. For example, they might use local anesthesia. However, you may still experience some unpleasant sensations, especially during the days immediately after a treatment.
- Professional teeth whitening can cause a temporary increase in dental sensitivity. Fortunately, most formulas contain desensitizing agents that reduce this issue.
- Veneers may cause sensitivity and soreness, especially after your teeth are prepared to support them (this process involves the removal of a bit of enamel). You might experience similar discomfort with metal-free crowns.
- Gum recontouring is a surgical procedure, so a bit of post-op swelling and soreness are to be expected.
- Invisalign must apply pressure to your teeth in order to be effective. This can cause mild discomfort that lasts for a few days at a time (particularly when you first start using a new aligner).
How to Minimize Discomfort
Your dentist will give you instructions to reduce discomfort during your recovery period. They might advise you to:
- Avoid foods that can exacerbate sensitivity. This includes acidic, hot, and cold items.
- Stick to a good oral hygiene routine. You should be gentle but thorough when cleaning teeth that have recently undergone some work.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications. Some patients find that ibuprofen or acetaminophen are helpful.
- Apply a cold compress to the side of your face. This can help with post-treatment swelling and reduce pain.
- Call your dentist if you need assistance. If you experience severe or long-lasting pain, let your dentist know right away. They can assess the situation and design a plan to get your recovery back on track.
When Will the Discomfort Go Away?
The recovery period for most cosmetic dental procedures can last anywhere from a few days to a week or longer. After you heal, you should be able to enjoy completely comfortable and pain-free function from your recently enhanced smile!
Meet the Practice
The team at All Dental is proud to offer a broad range of cosmetic dentistry services. We prioritize patient comfort and oral health, so you can count on us to make every effort to create a positive treatment experience for you. To learn more about how we may be able to help you reach your aesthetic goals for your smile, contact our Westborough office at 508-217-7265.