Dental exams can entail any number of different processes. However, the core of the exam is roughly the same: to assess the health of one’s teeth and determine whether any operations are needed to rectify pressing issues.
Usually, some level of soreness is normal, but likely won’t reach a point beyond mild discomfort. Much of the discomfort has to do with the nature of the procedure that was performed in the first place.
Is Soreness After a Dental Exam Normal?
If you’re due for a dental exam and are worried about how it might impact your well-being afterward, take a look at this review on the topic.
Discomfort in The Teeth and Gums
Typically, you should only experience mild discomfort after visiting the dentist. This is true even if you’ve received relatively extensive work.
In most cases, you should be able to control this discomfort using simple over-the-counter pain relief and anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin. End up experiencing more pain than can be controlled with these medications. Your dentist should be able to refer you to receive higher potency medication should you continue to experience pain.
How Long Does Routine Checkup Discomfort Tend to Last?
As stated before, much of the nature of your general discomfort will have to do with the nature of your procedure. In the case of a routine checkup, you likely will experience a small amount of discomfort following your procedure for just a day or two, if that.
If you’re suffering from gum disease or tooth decay, then a routine checkup might impact your mouth longer in terms of the amount of discomfort you experience. Be sure to inform your dentist whether or not you’re experiencing some baseline discomfort prior to your checkup being performed.
How Long Does Discomfort from Fillings and Crowns Last?
If you’re in for filling treatment, the doctor applies pressure to the teeth that may result in some level of discomfort for the rest of the day following the completion of the procedure. More complex procedures, such as dental crowns and porcelain veneers, also have the potential to produce some level of discomfort.
There is a possibility that you will experience heat, cold, and pressure sensitivity while your teeth adjust to the treatment. There are certain signs, such as if your tooth hurts without any pressure being applied, that your procedure has encountered some difficulty and may need to be reapplied.
How Long Does Discomfort from Extractions and Root Canals Last?
These procedures are more complex and thus carry more risk associated with them. Root canals and extractions have the potential to produce intense discomfort for 2-3 days or more. Mild discomfort for more than a week after your procedure is completed is not uncommon.
If you experience severe discomfort beyond 3 or so days from your procedure, it may indicate that there has been a problem of some sort with your procedure. In this case, you should consider reaching out to your dentist to see if there has been an issue with your general procedure.
How Long Do Sore Muscles Typically Last?
Sore muscles in the jaw and mouth are not uncommon with patients following dental procedures. Much of this has to do with the fact that patients are often required to keep their mouths open for long periods of time when receiving more serious dental work.
In most cases, however, this type of discomfort should dissipate after just a few days. In some cases, it may even be gone just a few hours after your procedure.
Chronically sore muscles in the jaws may be an indication that you may have an issue with this part of your body. If left unattended, these issues can contribute to long-term disorders such as TMJ.
Discussing With Your Dentist
Talking with your dentist prior to any work being performed about whether or not you’re feeling anxious about experiencing tension or pain can help them with their approach to your procedure.
In general, reducing anxiety and tension prior to your dental exam should only serve to create a more comfortable aftermath following your procedure. Any steps that you can take to achieve a state of calm should be considered between you and your dentist prior to any treatment.
The Top Dentists in La Mirada
La Mirada One Dental Group is one of the top-rated dentists in California. If you’re interested in receiving quality dental work that’s sensitive to how you’ll feel afterward, contact us today in order to set up your dental exam in La Mirada.