Appearance counts for a lot in today’s society, so one shouldn’t underestimate the power of a beautiful, brilliant smile. If one has been hiding the smiles to cover up missing, damaged, malformed, or discolored teeth, it’s time to consider cosmetic dentistry. A cosmetic dentist can help to get the straight, white smile that one want and deserve.

How to Prepare for the Appointment

If someone is first time consulting a cosmetic dentist, the first thing one should expect is an in-depth consultation.

Appearance counts for a lot in today’s society, so one shouldn’t underestimate the During the initial appointment, one will undergo a complete exam and a review of the dental and medical history. From there, one will have the chance to ask questions, discuss concerns, and help the dentist come up with a personalized treatment plan that meets both the goals and budget.

If someone want to make the most out of consultation, it’s worth taking a few moments to prepare in advance. The good news is, one has already put their self on the path to a more beautiful smile by learning what to expect. Once one schedule their appointment, make sure one is prepared by:

• Formulating a list of questions
• Noting down specific issues one would like to address
• Finding pictures of the results one would like to achieve to use as a reference
• Taking a moment to review the budget and determine whether one will need financing for complex procedures
• Checking the schedule to make sure the upcoming cosmetic treatments won’t interfere with work or family responsibilities

Don’t be afraid to take an active role in establishing the treatment plan. one should always be honest and straightforward with the dentist about not just personal expectations, but also the budget and schedule.

Recovery

Some cosmetic procedures are completely non-invasive and require next to no recovery time. Tooth whitening is a perfect example. At worst, patients can expect mild tooth sensitivity or gum tenderness.

Other cosmetic procedures are more involved and require longer recovery times. Here’s what to expect from each of them:

Dental Implants

one should expect to experience some soreness and swelling of surrounding gum tissues and tenderness at the implant sites that peaks after around a day and subsides within three to five days. one may experience some lingering discomfort for up to two weeks, but should be able to return to normal daily activities such as work, chores, and exercising after two to three days.

Dental Bonding

one may experience some discomfort and tooth sensitivity for one to three days after a dental bonding procedure. Mild pain associated with dental bonding can be managed effectively by avoiding crunchy foods and hot or cold drinks. Most dentists also recommend using over-the-counter painkillers.

Gum Surgeries

Gum surgeries can cause mild to moderate discomfort, slight bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The roots of teeth may also be exposed, making them more sensitive to heat and cold. The symptoms should subside within one to three days.

Dental Crowns

One may experience mild side effects like gum inflammation, bleeding, and tenderness following the placement of a dental crown, especially if placing the crown requires a root canal. However, it should only take several days to recover.

Veneers

Most people require little to no recovery time following the placement of dental veneers and can return to work immediately. However, some people do experience sensitivity for one to three weeks following treatment. Avoid excessively hot or cold foods and beverages during this time.

Post-Op Care

Like recovery times, post-op care routines vary depending on the type of procedure the dentist has performed. In most cases, one can continue to brush and floss as usual, take over-the-counter medications to combat pain and inflammation, and go back to the normal eating and drinking habits the next day. However, some more invasive cosmetic procedures require extra post-op care.

Dental Implants

If the implant procedure required a gum graft, one may need to stick to a soft food diet for the following week. The dentist might also recommend taking two to three days off from work and avoiding strenuous activities during that time. It’s also wise to avoid smoking for at least 48 hours following the surgery, as it can delay the healing process.

Gum Surgeries

As with implants, one will want to avoid hard or brittle foods for two to three days following the gum surgery. Brush the teeth lightly for the first few days, and avoid flossing the day of the surgery.

Dental Crowns

One should be able to eat and drink normally as soon as the anesthesia wears off. However, avoiding excessively hard or chewy foods can help to reduce soreness in the week following a root canal and crown placement.

Tooth Whitening

It’s very important to avoid stain-causing foods for the first 48 hours after a professional tooth whitening. Avoid red wine, soda, coffee, tea, berries, tobacco, and red sauces to maximize the impact of the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still confused about what cosmetic dentistry has to offer? You can find answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions below or reach out to Foothills Family Dentistry directly with your concerns.

What Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Are Available?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any procedure performed with the primary or exclusive intent of improving the appearance of a patient’s smile. Common procedures include:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Tooth whitening
• Veneers
• Braces
• Enamel shaping
• Gum grafts
• Crowns
• Implants

Remember, each of these procedures is different. Ask your dentist about any special considerations associated with the procedure you want to get.

Get the Smile You Deserve

Want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry or find out if you would be a good candidate for a smile restoration? Request an appointment online or call (520) 744-3480 to schedule a consultation with a qualified cosmetic dentist today.