Is Pain and Sensitivity Normal after Dental Work?
When it comes to a lot of media depictions of dental care, you'd think that major pain and discomfort was a normal part of going to the dentist. That can't be further from the truth, however. Many a cosmetic dentist will use the latest advances in pain management in order to make their patients feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
With this in mind, we do want to look at the issue of pain and sensitivity as part of dental treatment. You may be surprised to find out what causes discomfort and how easy it is to avoid major problems with pain.
Pain After Dental Care Treatment
We want to stress again that dentists always strive to make sure that their patients are as free from discomfort as possible, which includes anxiety and stress. That's why many dental offices use local anesthetic of different kinds as well as sedation methods. When combined, patient pain is greatly reduced, and overall sensations of stress are minimized.
Root Canal Therapy and Pain - Myths and Facts
If you were to describe a root canal based on what you've heard about, you'd swear it was the most painful thing a person can undergo. While a root canal can be uncomfortable, it is not nearly as painful as its reputation suggests. Dentists use local anesthetic and other tools at their disposal to ensure that patients are as free from undue pain as possible. Soreness will last for a few days after the procedure, but it can be easily managed.
The root canal is actually an essential procedure for patients who have an infected tooth. By removing the infected pulp within a tooth, the pain is alleviated and patients are better off in terms of overall wellness.
Temporary General Soreness After Major Restorative Care
If a patient has experienced major tooth decay or tooth damage that has been addressed by porcelain crowns or other sorts of restorations, discomfort can occur, but it is only temporary and depends in large part on the extent of the dental work that was performed. Your dentist will provide you with post-procedure instructions to ensure this soreness is as brief as possible.
Tooth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening Treatment
This may be surprising to you, but teeth whitening often results in tooth sensitivity for a day or a few days after treatment. This is true of both professional teeth whitening treatment and over-the-counter teeth whitening. Many precautions are taken when you undergo professional whitening to minimize this tooth sensitivity. As for the use of over-the-counter bleaching kits, we urge you to follow the instructions to the letter and do not bleach your teeth any longer than advised.
Managing Discomfort After Dental Treatment
For serious discomfort after major dental treatments such as root canal therapy, gum grafting/soft tissue augmentation, and full mouth reconstructions, dentists will often provide patients with pain medication. Patients will also be recommended to avoid eating certain foods and to avoid chewing or biting on the side of the mouth where the dental work has been performed.
In the case of teeth whitening, patients are generally advised to avoid foods and beverages that are hot or cold, opting instead for room temperature sustenance. Dentists can also place a tooth desensitizer after the bleaching is performed to reduce major sensitivity in the hours after treatment.
Learn More About Advanced Dental Care Treatment
If you would like more information about your many different treatments available for advanced dental care, be sure to contact our Doylestown, PA dental care center today. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve the best possible dental health.
