Will My Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure Hurt?

If you have a low pain threshold, you might be more likely to avoid certain activities. For example, you probably wouldn’t want to play a contact sport, or wear uncomfortable shoes. But by skipping out on new experiences or procedures to avoid pain, it’s possible to miss out on life-changing opportunities, like improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

Thankfully, many cosmetic dentistry procedures are painless or can be performed under sedation. If you’ve been considering improving your smile but have been afraid of experiencing pain or sensitivity, here are a few common cosmetic procedures that are generally well-tolerated.

Dental Veneers

If you’re looking for a permanent solution to discolored, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth, you may have heard that veneers can be a beautiful solution. Veneers are porcelain shells that fit over your natural teeth, making them appear whiter and more uniform.

To attach veneers, your dentist will need to remove a thin layer of enamel from your teeth. While this can sometimes cause sensitivity, your dentist will numb your mouth with an anesthetic. You may still experience some sensitivity after the anesthesia wears off, but this is usually mild and short-lived.

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening is not painful at all; however, you still may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold following your treatment (usually within the first 24 hours). Still, this sensitivity is usually quite mild, and will not occur in every person.

Direct Bonding

Direct bonding is performed when your dentist sculpts tooth-colored resin onto your natural tooth to repair a chip or crack or change its color. Direct bonding should not cause any pain, and your dentist will most likely not need to use any type of anesthetic to complete the procedure.

Ways to Reduce Pain

While these cosmetic services should be relatively pain-free, should you experience any discomfort following your treatment, there are several things you can do to get some relief.

• Take an over-the-counter pain medication
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth
• Gargle with warm salt water

Don’t let the fear of pain hold you back from getting the cosmetic procedure you want. While not all treatments will be completely painless, they should not cause significant discomfort, and you should be able to find relief with over-the-counter medications or home remedies.

About Dr. Kaopua

Dr. Jason Kaopua has long been fascinated by oral health and uses that passion to help treat patients at Albright Family Dental. In addition to general dentistry, Dr, Kaopua is also well trained in sleep medicine, BOTOX, and cosmetic dentistry.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kaopua, please visit our website or call us at 425-307-4826.