Will It Hurt to Have Cosmetic Dentistry Performed?

Cosmetic dentistry can be used to correct chipped teeth, stained enamel, and various other aesthetic flaws on your smile. However, you may be reluctant to pursue it for a variety of reasons. In particular, you might be nervous that the treatments involved will be painful. Is this really something you need to be worried about? Here’s what you need to know when it comes to discomfort associated with cosmetic dentistry.

What Kinds of Cosmetic Dentistry Are Available?

It’s important to note that cosmetic dentistry comes in many different forms. Some examples of smile-enhancing procedures that your dentist might recommend include:

• Veneers for covering multiple imperfections on the teeth at once.
• Metal-free restorations for repairing damaged teeth in a way that looks natural.
• Cosmetic dental bonding for quickly addressing minor aesthetic flaws.
• Teeth whitening for brightening dull or stained teeth.

So, Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

It should be noted that no matter what kind of cosmetic dental treatment you decide to get, your dentist will do everything they can to ensure that you’re able to stay as comfortable as possible while your smile is being worked on. This can potentially involve applying a local anesthetic to keep the mouth numb.

It should be noted that some forms of cosmetic dentistry, such as teeth whitening and cosmetic dental bonding, are noninvasive and therefore tend to cause little to no discomfort even without the help of a local anesthetic. On the other hand, numbing your mouth is often considered a necessary step for more involved procedures such as the placement of a metal-free restoration.

What About After the Procedure?

Following certain cosmetic dentistry procedures, you may experience some level of discomfort while your mouth is recovering. For example, after teeth whitening, your teeth could potentially be more sensitive than normal. This side effect should eventually fade away on its own; until then, you should make a point of avoiding any foods that are particularly hot or cold.

With veneers and metal-free restorations, it is not unusual for some soreness to occur. Until it goes away, you can typically keep it under control with an over-the-counter pain reliever. If the soreness lasts longer than expected, you should let your dentist know immediately to see what they recommend.

In short, there’s no reason to let fear of pain discourage you from creating the smile of your dreams. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist to find out more about the cosmetic dentistry treatments they offer.

About the Author

Dr. Glenn Shtarkman is a graduate of Case Western University’s School of Dental Medicine. He is skilled in many different aspects of dentistry, and he is able to offer a wide variety of smile-enhancing cosmetic procedures, including veneers, teeth whitening, and cosmetic dental bonding. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shtarkman at Advanced Dental Center in Parma Heights, visit his website or call (440) 885-5354.