Relaxing Dental Experiences with Sedation
There are various medications that can be used to ensure a more relaxed and comfortable dental experience. These drugs serve different purposes such as pain control, relaxation, and inducing deep sleep during treatment. When deciding which medications to use for your specific treatment, you and your dentist will consider factors such as the type of procedure, your overall health, history of allergies, and your anxiety level.
Pain Control Techniques
Local anesthesia is a type of anesthetic that is used to prevent pain in a specific area of the mouth during treatment. It works by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, which numbs the mouth tissues. Before administering an injectable local anesthetic, your dentist may apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area. Topical anesthetics can also be used to soothe painful mouth sores. Injectable anesthetics are commonly used for procedures such as filling cavities, preparing teeth for crowns, or treating gum disease.
In some cases, your dentist may use a sedative to induce moderate sedation during dental visits. Sedatives can be administered before or during the procedures and can be inhaled (using nitrous oxide), taken orally (by pill), or injected intravenously. More complex treatments may require drugs that induce deep sedation, reducing consciousness to relieve pain and anxiety.
Depending on the procedure, you may also need a pain reliever after treatment. Analgesics are used to relieve pain and can be categorized into non-narcotic and narcotic drugs. Non-narcotic drugs, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, are commonly used for toothache or pain following dental treatment. Narcotic analgesics, such as opioids, act on the central nervous system and are used for more severe pain.
Dentists use these pain and anxiety control techniques to safely treat millions of patients every year. However, it is important to understand the risks and benefits associated with any dental treatment. By working together, you and your dentist can make informed decisions to ensure a safe and comfortable dental visit and maintain a healthy smile.
