One of the things that people worry about when going to the dentist is the associated discomfort. This is usually much less than people fear and during the procedure anesthesia will ensure you feel little, if any discomfort. Our Columbia, SC dentist offers sedation dentistry can help you calm down before the procedure, but what about discomfort after the procedure?
Level of Discomfort after a Dentist Visit
Typically, people suffer only minor discomfort after a visit to the dentist, even if a significant dental treatment was performed. Normally, the discomfort is controllable with over-the-counter pain medication. If you have a procedure where more discomfort is expected, we will write you a prescription for medication that is appropriate to the level of discomfort.
How Long Does Discomfort in the Gums Last?
For the most part, discomfort in the gums associated with dental treatment will only last a day or two. However, if you had a more significant gum disease treatment, such as root scaling or planing, in addition to the primary discomfort you may experience sensitivity to hot and cold that may last as long as six weeks, though it will decline significantly after two weeks.
How Long Does Discomfort from a New Filling, Dental Crown, or Porcelain Veneer Last?
Typically, there may be some discomfort in the tooth receiving the filling from the pressure of removing decay and preparing the tooth to receive the filling. Discomfort may last for a few hours or a day after anesthesia wears off. Because the procedures are similar for dental crowns and porcelain veneers, you can expect a similar sensation. In all cases, too, there may be sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure. If you get pressure sensitivity just from closing your teeth, a filling may need adjustment.
How Long Does Discomfort from Extractions and Root Canal Last?
Discomfort from extractions and root canal may last a little longer than other dental procedures. However, in most cases, significant discomfort should resolve in 2-3 days after your procedure. If it lasts longer than this, it’s usually a sign of a problem and you should contact your dentist.
How Long Do Sore Muscles Last after a Dentist Appointment?
Some people develop sore muscles from holding the mouth open during treatment or from the pressure of preparing a tooth. For many people, sedation dentistry reduces the severity of this discomfort. Overall, this discomfort should pass by the day after your appointment.
In some cases, though, you may experience lasting muscle soreness that seems to recur every day, usually associated with chewing, talking, or other activities. This may be a sign that your dentist didn’t properly accommodate your restoration to your bite, resulting in jaw pain that may develop into TMJ. This is a good reason why you should always work with a neuromuscular dentist who will take into account your bite when designing and placing restorations.
To get comfortable cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry, please call (803) 781-9090 for an appointment with a Columbia, SC dentist at Smile Columbia Dentistry.
