Dental anxiety is very real, but often unfounded. If you find yourself putting off needed dental care due to worries about how much it will hurt, this post is for you!
At Santa Monica Bay Dental in Santa Monica, California, our team of highly-qualified doctors wants you to enjoy excellent oral health and psychological comfort! We know that many people fear the dentist because they think most of the procedures are very painful, but here we describe eight common procedures and what kind of pain you can expect when you have them — in most cases, there’s no pain and very minimal discomfort!
1. Cleanings
One of the most important and least painful procedures everyone needs at least twice a year is a professional cleaning. Your dental hygiene at home is crucial for good oral health, but it can only take you so far. A professional cleaning removes bacteria, plaque, and tartar that cause gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss.
2. Exam
An often-overlooked but critical part of maintaining excellent oral health is having an annual exam. During a routine dental exam, we check for signs of decay, perform X-rays, and look for any indications of abnormalities.
3. Teeth whitening
As you get older, the enamel on your teeth thins, so they may look more yellow, gray, or brown than they once did. Or, perhaps years of enjoying coffee has left its mark. Whatever the reason, you may need professional teeth whitening in order to look your best.
4. Root canals
The techniques used in modern dentistry mean that a root canal is not the big, painful deal that it used to be. We won’t tell you that a root canal is 100% painless, but you may be surprised at just how mild the discomfort is!
5. Fillings
Decay happens, and when it does, it’s important to stop it as soon as possible. When you get a dental filling, we remove the decayed tissue and fill it with either amalgam or composite resin to strengthen and protect your tooth. The process is quick and, yes, virtually painless.
6. Sealants
Dental sealants can help prevent cavities. Sealants can keep food from collecting in the crevices of your teeth. Often, sealants are recommended for children who may not yet be great at thoroughly brushing their teeth. Having sealants applied is completely painless.
7. Extractions
We work hard to preserve your natural teeth, but sometimes an extraction is the best option. With proper care and rest, you shouldn’t experience too much pain from an extraction. Everyone is different, so you should carefully follow your individual instructions in order to heal quickly.
8. Replacements
There are lots of good reasons to consider replacing a missing tooth. We consider dental implants to be the gold standard for replacement, but find that some people worry about pain associated with the procedure. Most people find they don’t need anything stronger than over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any pain following an implant.
Find out more
If you have worries about pain when it comes to a certain dental procedure, our best advice is to talk to us. We use numerous techniques such as same day dentistry and laser dentistry that make your visit shorter and less painful than you likely imagine it will be. Schedule your appointment today online or over the phone to learn more!
