The most important thing you can do if you have tooth discomfort after a whitening procedure is to consult your dentist. Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry has many years of experience dealing with oral health issues. We can monitor your progress and help when it comes time to investigate other whitening options. However, you must first be aware of any problems you may face.

Furthermore, by getting a teeth-whitening procedure or actively bleaching at home with custom trays, follow your dentist’s instructions to guarantee efficient whitening and minimize any related discomfort. If you have questions or concerns about teeth whitening, please call us today at Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Burlington, NC. We would be happy to help you achieve your goal of a whiter, brighter smile!

Teeth Whitening in Burlington

We all like to have a whiter, brighter smile, but what options do we have? There is a whitening treatment for you whether you have stained, dull, or discolored teeth! At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, our staff can assist you in determining a suitable teeth whitening method for you. “What are the best teeth whitening treatments?” you might ask. At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we only offer the best teeth whitening systems and service to our beloved patients.

Many products like whitening toothpastes and treatments are available over-the-counter and through your dentist. The concentration of bleaching agents in these products is what distinguishes them. The effectiveness and safety of bleach increase with its concentration; however, so does the risk for side effects such as tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. That’s why it is essential to follow directions carefully and use products only as directed.

  • Over-the-counter whiteners: Many different over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available, including gels, rinses, kinds of toothpaste, strips, and trays. You can find these products at most drugstores, supermarkets, and mass merchandisers. Most over-the-counter teeth whitening products use a lower bleaching agent concentration than your dentist would use in the office. As a result, they may take longer to work and may not be as effective. In addition, the American Dental Association (ADA) notes that some of these products may cause gum irritation and other side effects.

  • Professional teeth whitening: If you want to get the most out of your teeth whitening treatment, it is best to have it done by a professional dentist. At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments. Our in-office teeth whitening offers the quickest way to achieve brighter teeth. In just one visit, you can have noticeably whiter teeth. In addition, the bleaching agent used in this treatment is much stronger than what is available over the counter, so it can provide better results in less time.

Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?

Many people assume that teeth whitening hurts. Although people may feel sensitivity, teeth whitening is relatively painless. Some people may experience acute sensitivity or pain after undergoing teeth-whitening methods like at-home whitening trays or strips or laser whitening treatments like Zoom whitening. People who are sensitive to teeth whitening frequently experience pain or discomfort during whitening procedures or in the moments, hours, or days that follow a particular procedure.

The common soreness is typically related to either the teeth or the gums, depending on the type of teeth whitening therapy. Fortunately, pain-relieving and preventative steps may be performed to lessen the sensitivity and discomfort associated with tooth whitening treatments. What’s more, you know what’s even better? These methods, in general, entail little work on your side and include things like reducing your whitening frequency, using specific types of toothpaste, watching what you eat, and utilizing straws.

As for pain or hurting after a teeth whitening session, there is a slight chance that you will suffer from mild discomfort for 24 to 48 hours after your treatment. This is caused by the teeth whitening agents seeping into the tiny tubes in your teeth (known as dentinal tubules). These tubules lead straight to the pulp or center of your tooth, where nerves and blood vessels are located. At Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible during your teeth whitening treatment. So call us today for your teeth whitening treatment!

Will Teeth Whitening Make My Teeth Sensitive?

Teeth whitening can cause teeth sensitivity. Sensitivity during teeth whitening is normal and usually goes away within a day or two after treatment. However, the entire tooth and any exposed root surfaces are affected by dentin hypersensitivity, often known as tooth sensitivity.

When the active components in whitening products, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, reach the nerves within each tooth, this occurs. The degree of whitening treatments, the individual’s unique dental characteristics, and whether or not they previously underwent teeth whitening procedures all affect how sensitive a person’s teeth are during or after whitening procedures. The degree of discomfort or sensitivity felt during or after an active whitening treatment may be influenced by these elements.

If you have concerns about teeth whitening sensitivity, please call us here at Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to help you determine the best way to achieve your desired level of whiteness while minimizing any discomfort. There are several techniques to reduce pain and sensitivity after a whitening procedure. Among these techniques are:

Reduce the Frequency of Teeth Whitening Procedures
One way to lessen the sensitivity brought on by quick teeth whitening is to lengthen the interval between procedures or perhaps discontinue whitening altogether.

Select an Alternative Teeth Whitening Treatment
Because of the intensity or degree of active bleaching agents, several whitening procedures can produce increased sensitivity or pain. If routinely using bleaching trays is making your teeth more sensitive, you might want to switch to a less-powerful whitening procedure, like whitening toothpaste, to give your teeth a break.

Avoid Consuming Extremely Cold, Hot, or Acidic Foods and Beverages During Whitening Treatments
If you have recently whitened your teeth with laser whitening, zoom whitening, or a home bleach tray, consuming extremely cold, hot, or acidic food and drinks can impact the sensitivity of your teeth and gums. You can significantly lessen sensitivity or pain by avoiding a few foods and drinks right before or after a teeth-whitening procedure.

Sip Through a Straw
When you must have a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cooled ice tea, consider drinking through a straw. You should avoid much of the discomfort related to drinking a warm or cold beverage after treatment since a straw sticks out past your teeth.

Brush Your Teeth with a Special Toothpaste
Some kinds of toothpaste, including Sensodyne and Colgate Sensitive, can assist in preventing your teeth from sending pain signals to your nerves. Desensitizing gels like Senzaway and Smile Brilliant can also be useful.

Use a Less Intense Bleaching Gel
If you use in-home bleach trays, you should use a less intense bleaching gel. You might expect less sensitivity or pain from your whitening treatments if you use a lower-grade bleaching product.

The results of your teeth whitening treatment will last a long time, but how long they last depend on several things. The habits you have, such as drinking coffee, tea, or wine and smoking, can all lead to your teeth becoming discolored over time. Professional teeth cleanings here at Monahan Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will help to remove any surface staining and keep your smile looking its best.

Simple Tooth Extraction Procedure

Simple tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. While many dentists perform simple extractions, it is important to utilize an experienced dentist. Simple extractions require the tooth to be visible and can be grasped with dental forceps. Simple extractions are less invasive than surgical extractions.

Generally, damaged, decayed, and infected teeth are not impacted. Therefore, a decayed tooth that has completely erupted and cannot be saved with a restoration may only need a simple extraction. Once the entire tooth has been removed, we will close up the incisions using dissolvable stitches.

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Surgical Tooth Extraction

Surgical tooth extractions are necessary for natural teeth that are impacted or otherwise not easy to remove. An impacted tooth is one that never erupts through the surface of the gums. A difficult tooth may be obstructed by bone that needs to be removed.

Generally, the Burlington dentist will review a patient’s digital X-rays to see what conditions exist behind the gums. In some cases, we may need to break the tooth into several pieces before removing it. After removal, our Burlington dentist will clean the area and may suture it closed as needed to allow for healing. If you have missing teeth after a tooth extraction, dental fillings might be necessary.

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Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Wisdom teeth or third molars, are the four permanent teeth in the back corner of your mouth. It is not uncommon for a patient to have fewer than four wisdom teeth. Undoubtedly, wisdom teeth need room to grow. If not, the patient may have impacted wisdom teeth.

An impacted wisdom tooth likely needs to be removed. Sometimes, wisdom teeth that have erupted normally are free from extraction. Often, patients do not brush and floss their wisdom teeth as well as the rest of their teeth. As a result, gum disease and tooth decay may develop in the wisdom teeth, as well as adjacent teeth.

In some cases, we may need to break the tooth into several pieces before removing it. This is commonly required with wisdom teeth. With the wisdom tooth removed, the potential threat of infection is eliminated. Dr. Monahan may refer some wisdom tooth extractions to an oral surgeon in Burlington.

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After Tooth Extraction Procedure

After you have one or more teeth pulled, you should avoid drinking through a straw until the dentist approves. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages and mouthwashes containing alcohol. Additionally, limit your physical activity for a few days so you do not agitate the empty socket.

Sometimes, patients may experience some swelling and bruising. This is normal, however, it should subside in a few days. Patients can use ice packs to help reduce possible swelling. If needed, the doctor may provide pain medication to minimize discomfort.

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Post-Operative Instructions for a Simple Extraction

This video shows you what to expect after a surgical extraction, as well as how to ensure proper healing.

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Post-Operative Instructions for a Surgical Extraction

Care instructions on how to ensure proper healing of a wisdom tooth that has been surgically removed.

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Monahan
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

1698 Westbrook Ave
Burlington, NC 27215
Call us at 336-228-7576
info@monahanfamilydentistry.com

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