People who fear the dentist usually do so because of the pain they imagine to be involved in dental procedures. However, by neglecting your teeth you may be enduring a lot of unpleasant feelings for the rest of your life. Shame and insecurity about your smile can stop you from chasing the things that make you happiest. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of pain, there’s good news: most cosmetic dentistry doesn’t result in any irritation at all. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t let your fear stop you from pursuing your smile goals.
Most Procedures are Painless
The primary reason you shouldn’t be afraid of cosmetic dentistry is a simple one: most of the time, there isn’t any pain at all.
Teeth whitening is one example where you’re unlikely to feel much of anything. The dentist will apply a gel to your teeth that can make your smile up to eight times brighter. However, there are more intricate procedures that can change the very shape and color of your teeth without any pain. Direct bonding involves applying white composite resin directly to a chipped or damaged tooth. Your dentist then cures the resin with a specialized light that causes it to harden in place. This treatment is usually done in a single appointment and produces incredible results, all without any tenderness.
Anesthetics are Easy
Most procedures don’t cause any pain, but it’s understandable to still be worried. If you have any more concerns, communicate them to your dentist. They can administer an anesthetic that’ll leave you feeling numb in seconds. If you close your eyes, you may not even be able to tell that you’re having work done.
Anesthetics are cost-effective, easy to administer, and safe, so if you think using one would make you more comfortable don’t hesitate to ask.
Aftercare is a Cinch
“Well that’s all fine,” you might be saying “but will I be in any pain afterward?” The answer is that very few cosmetic procedures involve any soreness when they’re done, and none of them hurt enough to warrant any kind of prescription painkiller. The worst thing you’re likely to feel would be minor sensitivity, which can easily be dealt with by an over-the-counter pain reliever.
All told, you shouldn’t avoid cosmetic dentistry because of pain. These procedures are harmless, and if you’re still concerned, mild anesthetics should be plenty to deal with any discomfort you may feel.
About the Author
Dr. Javier Perez is a profoundly qualified cosmetic and family dentist with over 25 years of experience in his field. Even after all this time, he’s still just as excited as ever to see a satisfied patient’s happy smile. He uses the most advanced dental technology in his cosmetic procedures, including Virtual Smile Design, a software that lets patients see their results before treatment has even begun. If you have any more questions about cosmetic dentistry, you can reach Dr. Perez at his website or by phone at (903) 534-8110.