A common assumption is that to get a perfect smile you need to undergo a lot of painful procedures. The fact is that modern cosmetic dentistry has a host of options that can improve the way you look while ensuring you’re completely comfortable. Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t worry about pain at your cosmetic dental appointment.
Reason #1: Most Procedures are Harmless.
Dentists have quite a few tools to deal with pain, but a lot of the time they aren’t necessary. They can recolor, repair, and even reshape your teeth without any unpleasant sensations. Here are a few examples:
- Teeth Whitening: This involves coating the teeth with a chemical that removes stains. The process takes about an hour and may cause some minor sensitivity after it’s done.
- Direct Bonding: This is a painless way to repair cracked or damaged teeth. Your dentist applies a primer to your tooth and then coats it with a composite resin to cover any compromised enamel. The resin can be sculpted to perfectly emulate your natural teeth, and the whole thing is done in a single visit
- Veneers: These are a little bit more involved but are a relatively comfortable way to produce incredible results. A tiny layer of your enamel is removed and replaced by a thin shell of porcelain crafted to look like your ideal teeth.
Reason #2: Anesthetics are your Best Friend.
Even knowing that most dental procedures don’t involve any pain, you may still be worried about your appointment. You shouldn’t be. Your dentist should always have your comfort in mind, and they have many options at their disposal to make your visit easy.
If you have any concerns, you can always ask for a local anesthetic. Just say the magic words and your mouth will be numb faster than you can say “Woaw, I pfeel greapt.”
Reason #3: Easy to Care For Afterwards
For nearly all cosmetic procedures, you shouldn’t have to worry about any discomfort at the office. For a few, however, there could be some minor irritation after you leave. This should pass within a couple of days. In the meantime, over-the-counter medications are usually enough to ease any discomfort you may be feeling.
Contrary to popular belief, cosmetic dentistry doesn’t have to be painful. Communicate with your dentist about your needs, and they’ll do everything they can to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Geoffrey Iverson is a cosmetic dentist with over four decades of experience in his field. He prides himself on his ability to offer comprehensive care to all his patients using state-of-the-art dental techniques. If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, he can be reached at his website or by phone at (507) 364-7424.