The short answer to this question is yes, and no. It depends on which cosmetic dentistry procedure you are having done. Panoramic Dental, a cosmetic dentistry in La Morinda, offers excellent insight into the different procedures you can request and the level of pain that may be involved with each. Book a consultation with them today to see what these procedures can do for your smile.
Different Cosmetic Procedures and the Level of Pain You Can Expect
There are four main cosmetic procedures most dentists are willing to perform:
- Gum Contouring
- Teeth Whitening
- Dental Veneers
- Dental Implants
Some of these do involve a level of pain while others are not painful at all. You should also keep in mind that people have different thresholds of pain. Your own experience with oral pain may be very different from someone else's.
Pain with Gum Contouring
Pain with gum contouring should be expected. The dentist is cutting away gum tissue to thin out thick gums or raise the gum tissues higher on the teeth. The latter reason is to expose more of the tooth surfaces and create a brighter smile.
Bleeding is par for the course. Healing will take time and pain is felt for the first three days to a week. The dentist will prescribe medication to prevent infection and help with the pain.
Teeth Whitening and Pain
Teeth whitening involves no pain at all. You might experience some mild discomfort during the process because of the trays used to white multiple teeth simultaneously. Laser whitening also doesn't involve any pain. Hence, you should not feel any ouch during or after the whitening process.
Dental Veneers and Pain
The front surfaces of your teeth will require mild sanding and possibly some grooving. The grooving aids in the application of a dental bonding adhesive to get the veneers to stick. There may be some mild discomfort after the veneers are applied, but it's typically short-lived.
Dental Implants and Pain
Dental implants are the greatest source of pain in cosmetic dentistry and with good reason. It's a major oral surgery that requires the insertion of abutment screws in the jaw under the gumline. It takes a few weeks to heal too. Your mouth will be numbed and you will be sedated for the procedure. Pain medication is prescribed after the procedure to manage any pain you feel.
For more information on these procedures and how discomfort is managed, call your cosmetic dentist in La Morinda at Panoramic Dental to book an appointment.