When you picture yourself “getting cozy”, you probably don’t imagine getting a cosmetic dental treatment at your dentist’s! However, thanks to advances in technology and sedation options, beautifying your smile is more comfortable than ever. If fear of discomfort or general dental anxiety has prevented you from pursuing cosmetic dentistry, keep reading. You might be pleasantly surprised with what you learn.
Kick Back and Relax for Your X-Ray
There’s just something about wearing a lead vest and biting down on a piece of plastic that’s deeply uncomfortable – and sometimes painful. For most cosmetic dental treatments, your dentist is going to want to examine your teeth with an X-ray.
However, with a digital X-ray, they can more or less point and click. Digital X-rays don’t emit nearly as much radiation as traditional ones, so there’s no need for heavy protection, and thanks to advanced sensors, there’s no need for scans. Simply kick back, relax, and wait for the machine to do its thing!
Soft Tissue Lasers Provide a Soft Touch
Some patients aren’t preoccupied with their teeth so much as their gumline. To aesthetically improve smiles that appear “too gummy,” a dentist will likely recommend gum recontouring. They’ll message and reshape your gums so that unnecessary pink tissue doesn’t overshadow your pearly whites.
This process might not sound exciting, especially if you’re envisioning pokey instruments! With a soft tissue laser, you can put that thought away. This laser uses light to gently sculpt your gums, resulting in minimal discomfort and faster healing.
Minimally Invasive Veneers and Bonding
Many cosmetic dental treatments are inherently non-invasive and minimalistic when it comes to upsetting sensations. Dental veneers, for example, can conceal multiple flaws at once. All that your dentist has to do is adhere a set of thin, porcelain shells to the front-facing portion of your teeth.
Dental bonding involves even less effort! After mixing a composite resin and matching it to the exact shade of your affected tooth, your dentist will simply spread the material to cover small chips, cracks, and deep stains. You could be in and out of the office in as little as an hour!
Sedation Dentistry can Ease Your Nerves
Knowing that most cosmetic dental treatments are pretty cozy no doubt provides reassurance. Fear isn’t always rational, though. If you get the jitters every time you walk into a dentist’s office, solutions like oral conscious sedation can be a huge help. With this method, you’ll take a prescribed pill a little bit before your appointment. Once it takes effect, you’ll feel relaxed and at ease.
No one wants anxiety to prevent you from achieving your dream smile, so you should contact your dentist for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. They can fill you in on the details behind each treatment and can offer personalized suggestions. Together, you can ensure a positive smile-enhancing experience!
About the Author
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard was the first dentist in North San Diego County to become an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. He’s affiliated with many cosmetic dental associations, and is even an editorial review board member of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry. Basically, smile aesthetics are his specialty! Dr. Howard also proudly offers oral conscious sedation for patients struggling with dental anxiety. To start getting cozy with your cosmetic dental treatment, contact his office at 760-599-6559.