Does It Hurt to Get Cosmetic Dental Work Done?

If you’re not happy with how your smile looks, cosmetic dentistry can help. Whether you have a noticeable stain, crooked teeth, or a “gummy” looking smile, these treatments can correct your dental imperfections and give you a set of pearly whites you’ll be excited to show off. However, some patients are hesitant about improving their smile because they’re worried that it might be painful. Read on as we discuss if getting cosmetic dental work done hurts.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Dentistry has advanced by leaps and bounds over the years. Nowadays, your cosmetic dentist can ensure improving your smile is virtually pain-free with the help of:

• Modern dental technology and techniques: Advanced technology allows for highly precise and custom treatments that are minimally invasive, ensuring you’re as comfortable as possible.
• Reliable local anesthetics: If a tooth needs to be prepared before your treatment, your dentist will administer a reliable numbing medication to the area so you won’t feel any discomfort.
• Calming sedation dentistry services: Sedation dentistry is an excellent choice for those with dental anxiety, but it can be very helpful for those worried about discomfort as well. Nitrous oxide sedation or oral conscious sedation can make treatments completely comfortable for those with sensitive teeth or gag reflexes, who find sitting in the examination chair uncomfortable, or who don’t respond well to local anesthetics.

What to Expect from Your Cosmetic Treatment

While you can rest assured that you shouldn’t feel any pain during your cosmetic dental work, some treatments may cause uncomfortable symptoms for a little while afterwards. Here’s what you can expect and a few tips to help manage any discomfort you may experience.

TEETH WHITENING

While store-bought whiteners are notorious for causing tooth sensitivity, professional teeth whitening solutions are designed to minimize any discomfort after treatment. If you do experience tooth sensitivity afterward, it should be easily manageable and pass within a day or so.

PORCELAIN VENEERS

A thin layer of enamel needs to be removed to place these wafer-thin shells of porcelain. While the veneer will protect the sensitive tooth underneath, it’s natural to feel slight sensitivity or soreness in the tooth for a few days. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed to help ease your symptoms.

INVISALIGN

Invisalign offers a much more comfortable orthodontic experience than traditional braces because it doesn’t have any poking wires or brackets. However, it’s normal to feel some soreness in your teeth when you start a new set of aligners. Apply ice packs, eat or drink cold things, and consider switching to your next set of aligners right before bed to minimize your discomfort.

GUM RECONTOURING

Crown lengthening, or gum recontouring, removes extra gum tissue that may cause your teeth to look short or stubby. Your dentist will give you specific instructions to follow after your treatment, but you can typically expect to take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease any soreness as your mouth heals.

It’s never been easier or more comfortable to improve your pearly whites! Talk to your cosmetic dentist today to find out how you can get the beautiful smile you deserve.

About the Doctor

Dr. Ivan Chan is a caring restorative dentist who is passionate about improving his patients’ oral health and helping them achieve beautiful smiles. Originally from Hong Kong and raised in Sacramento, Dr. Chan grew up in a family of dentists, sparking his early interest in dentistry. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from UC San Diego, where he also volunteered at free dental clinics for underserved communities. Dr. Chan went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UC San Francisco, where he gained extensive training in preventative, restorative, cosmetic, and implant dentistry.

In addition to his dental practice, Dr. Chan is committed to giving back through volunteer work on mission trips, including serving with the US Navy on the USNS Mercy Hospital Ship and providing dental care in Mexico. These experiences have deepened his dedication to providing high-quality dental care to those in need.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Chan enjoys basketball, exploring local breweries, and traveling. He values a healthy work-life balance, which he believes is essential for both personal and professional growth. If you have more questions or concerns about improving your smile, he can be contacted via his website or at818-243-3838.

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