When considering porcelain veneers, many people worry that there may be some pain in the application process. This is very natural as installing veneers usually requires some removal of enamel to ensure it fits properly without any protrusions.
So, do you feel pain when the veneers are put on?
Removal of Material
A dental bur is usually used to remove a very small amount of enamel (sometimes as little as 0.2 or 0.3 mm) from the front of the tooth to be treated. With this minimal level of intervention in the tooth structure, no nerves are touched and therefore there is no pain. There may be some discomfort due to the bur feeling at work, but this should not go beyond the procedure itself. On rare occasions and special occasions, veneers can be worn without removing any enamel, which means there will be no discomfort.
Anesthetic
To be safe, most dentists inject a local anesthetic into the gums surrounding the tooth they will be working on before starting a procedure. This will completely numb the area, meaning no pain will be felt, and the only discomfort will be from a slight pressure sensation other than a minor pain from the injection. For nervous patients, other techniques can be used on demand, such as the use of nitrous oxide, but this is more to calm the recipient.
Sensitivity
Teeth may feel a little sensitive in the time between removal of enamel and application of veneers, but this is usually remedied by installing a temporary set to protect the recipient’s mouth for this short period of time.
Oral health
Since there will be no interference with the gums or soft tissue at any point of the procedure, you should not feel any pain in this area. However, as with any dental procedure, it’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums because there is still a chance of getting an infection. Follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter when cleaning your teeth during and after the veneer application process.
For more information about dental veneers or other procedures, you can contact us.