Nowadays, a visit to the dentist does not have to be painful. In fact, there are multiple ways that your dentist can help ensure that your appointment is as painless as possible. Here are a few of them.
Sedation Dentistry
Sedation can be used to help you to remain calm and still during lengthy dental procedures. By minimizing your restlessness as you receive care, your dental treatments can be performed more quickly and with less pain. Dental sedatives do not render you unconscious during your procedures. However, they do help you to stay calm and may make you feel sleepy throughout your visit. Some sedatives even induce a brief episode of amnesia to help lessen any anxiety or fear that may result later as you recall the dental services that you receive.
Dental sedatives include inhaled medicines, such as laughing gas and oral medications, such as Valium. Injectable drugs may also be used for dental sedation.
The effects of an inhaled sedative usually only last long enough to provide relief during your actual procedure. However, the sedation provided by oral and injectable medicines may still last for a short period after your dental appointment is complete. Thus, you may require a driver to transport you home after your visit.
Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is often used for invasive dental procedures. The medication numbs the area at the site of the procedure to make the treatment less painful. The numbing medication is often injected at the treatment site before the actual procedure begins. In some cases, the dentist may apply a topical anesthetic gel to the injection site before administering the numbing medication to ensure that even the injection is pain-free.
Hygiene Instructions
If your gums are swollen and sensitive, even simple procedures, such as dental cleanings, may be painful. Thus, your dentist may provide at-home care instructions to help you improve the effectiveness of your oral hygiene.
In addition to flossing daily and brushing twice a day, the dentist may suggest that you use an antibacterial mouth rinse. Gingival inflammation is often caused by the exposure of the gums to oral acids that irritate the sensitive soft tissues. By eliminating the harmful bacteria that release inflammatory acids, the gums remain healthier and less sensitive.
Your dentist may choose to reschedule your cleanings or other simple procedures until your gums are healthier. In some instances, the health of your gums can improve in a week or two to an acceptable level. If you are concerned about dental discomfort during your appointments, schedule a consultation with a painless dentist to discuss ways to make your visits as painless as possible.
