Cosmetic Dentist

Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: Are Treatments Painful

  • Advancements in cosmetic dentistry technology have allowed the cosmetic dentist to offer patients a wide range of treatments to improve and repair smiles. While some might be eager to take advantage of one or more treatments, others might hesitate because of the perceived pain involved. However, prospective patients may gain peace of mind by asking a cosmetic dentistry professional about what to expect during and after each type of treatment.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

  • There are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures to choose from, and each has its own benefits for improving a smile. These vary from clinic to clinic, but most are widely available, including: Teeth whitening Dental implants Veneers Teeth straightening An initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist can help patients decide which treatments are right for them and offer long-term results. Patients who fear the pain of any of these procedures may be able to gain peace of mind by asking about the steps for each and what can be done about feelings of fear or anxiety while in the dentist’s chair.

Learning What to Expect

  • While each cosmetic dentistry procedure is different, technology and advances in dental medicine have made it possible for patients to remain comfortable for most. For example, teeth whitening is virtually painless and may cause mild sensitivity in the aftermath, but not all patients experience this. Numbing agents are typically used for dental implants, and there may be some discomfort afterward, as this is a type of surgery that involves implanting metal screws into the jawbone to connect the implants. Patients who want porcelain veneers may have to undergo a bit of preparation that may include the trimming of enamel. This may cause discomfort afterward, but the cosmetic dentist will likely numb the mouth before preparing the teeth so that the veneers fit properly. The amount of preparation tends to vary from patient to patient, but most will likely be informed about the level of discomfort to be expected and offered some tips about how to handle any anxiety before the treatments begin.

Reducing Dental Anxiety

  • It is common for patients to experience anxiety over dental treatments, even if they are cosmetic in nature. Oral pain can make it difficult to speak, eat, and rest, so the fear some may feel, despite the positive outcome, is natural. Fortunately, there are a few strategies patients can use to feel more comfortable before sitting in the dentist’s chair. One way to possibly reduce fear and anxiety over a cosmetic dental treatment is to learn about the procedure from the attending dentist and by gleaning information from trustworthy and informed sources online. Fear often stems from the unknown, so the more knowledgeable patients are about a cosmetic treatment, the less fear they may experience.

Schedule with Saint George Dental Care Today

  • Request an appointment here: https://www.stgeorgedentalcare.com or call St. George Dental Care at (435) 628-9099 for an appointment in our St George office.

    Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

    Recent Posts

    What Is A Missing Tooth Clause? How It Affects Your Dental Insurance

    You finally decide to replace that missing tooth, submit a claim to your insurance, and get an unexpected denial. For a lot of patients, this is the first time they've ever heard the term missing tooth clause. It's confusing, and it can feel like the rug got pulled out from under a plan you were…

    How Often Do Dental Fillings Need To Be Replaced?

    Fillings aren't meant to last forever, even though they can hold up for many years with proper care. Wondering how long yours will last, or noticing something feels different about an old filling, is a completely normal thing to think about.Here's a look at how long different filling materials typically last, the signs that point…

    White Fillings 101: What To Know About Composite Fillings

    Cavities are common, and so is the question that comes right after your dentist finds one. What kind of filling should you get? For most patients today, the answer is a white filling made from composite resin.This guide covers what composite fillings are, how they compare to the old metal kind, what the process looks…

    My Crown Fell Out: What To Do Right Now (and Why It Happened)

    You were eating or brushing, and suddenly something felt off. Now you're holding a small piece of porcelain or metal, staring at a strange gap where your tooth used to look normal. A crown that comes off is unsettling, but it's also one of the more manageable dental emergencies out there.Here's exactly what to do…

St. George Dental Care

Share
Published by
St. George Dental Care

Recent Posts

What Is a Missing Tooth Clause? How It Affects Your Dental Insurance

You finally decide to replace that missing tooth, submit a claim to your insurance, and…

2 weeks ago

How Often Do Dental Fillings Need to Be Replaced?

Fillings aren't meant to last forever, even though they can hold up for many years…

2 weeks ago

White Fillings 101: What to Know About Composite Fillings

Cavities are common, and so is the question that comes right after your dentist finds…

3 weeks ago

My Crown Fell Out: What to Do Right Now (and Why It Happened)

You were eating or brushing, and suddenly something felt off. Now you're holding a small…

4 weeks ago

How to Get Rid of a Canker Sore Fast: Remedies That Actually Work

That sharp sting inside your cheek or under your tongue is hard to ignore. Canker…

1 month ago

Why Are My Gums Receding? Common Causes and Treatment Options

Most people first notice gum recession while brushing, flossing, or catching their reflection in the…

2 months ago