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Painless Dentistry

Introduction:

We have compiled this article on Painless Dentistry. The reference links are at the bottom of the article.


[1]When most of us hear the word DENTIST, a shiver runs down our spine and the thought of the dreaded drill and pain makes us run in the opposite direction. For a long period of time pain and dentistry have been associated together and have made a great team, but the time has finally come for them to part ways.

With the advent of new technology, knowledge, and the latest equipment, dentistry has become almost pain-free.

Most of us consider Root Canal Treatment to be torture and relate it with severe pain and discomfort. But to our delight, in this new world of dental care, a root canal procedure when performed by a skilled dentist is almost painless and can even be completed in a single visit depending on the case.

It is performed under local anesthesia, using the latest equipment which includes the Apex Locator (which tells us the exact extent of the root canal reducing the need for unnecessary x-rays), High magnification using loupes or a microscope, and the latest rotary instruments to achieve the perfect Root Canal Treatment.

Even the administration of Local anesthesia is painless now, with the advent of the latest delivery system using extremely thin needles at very low speed. The pre-application of a topical spray or jelly makes the procedure even more comfortable.

For sensitive patients, Local Anesthesia could be administered even for general dental procedures such as a restoration (filling) or deep cleaning. The idea is to make the entire dental treatment as comfortable for the patient as possible.

[2]Sedation dentistry allows the most anxious of patients to get their oral health on track

At Asleep for Dentistry, providing a comfortable and painless dental experience for our patients has always been a top priority.

In fact, dentistry has come a long way in ensuring patients have as positive of a dental visit as possible. With comfortable chairs to sit in, protective eyewear to block out strong light during treatment, and even TVs mounted on the ceilings of the procedure rooms among other comfort-promoting efforts – patients can generally expect a rather pleasant dental care experience today.

However, dental anxiety and fear are still very common for many patients. In fact, millions of people neglect their teeth each year due to these concerns.

The good news is: Sedation dentistry has been a game-changer for many of these particularly anxious patients.

When it comes to dental anxiety, there are various medications available to alleviate most fears and allow a patient to have a painless dental experience.

Dentists often seek out one of three different types of sedation options for their patients. They differ in their administration, as well as the level of pain control and anxiety relief that they provide.

Oral Sedation/Medication:

This is a pill or liquid prescribed and taken prior to the procedure. These sedatives often referred to as sleeping pills, allow the patient to become very relaxed to the point that they are generally not aware of the treatment being provided. As this is a stronger level of sedation, patients will require a ride to and from the dental office and will usually need to rest after the treatment, allowing the sedative to wear off

This type of sedation is ideal for longer, more invasive procedures, and for patients that would rather not be aware of the dental treatment being provided.

Inhalation Sedation/Medication:

Nitrous oxide is used in inhalation sedation (often referred to as laughing gas), and is a great option for painless dentistry. Once inhaled, a patient can feel warm/tingling sensations, as well as a general sense of well-being, or may feel “floaty” or extreme sleepiness. Either way, it’s a pleasant feeling!

Nitrous oxide works very rapidly – reaching the brain within 20 seconds, with relaxation and pain-killing properties developing after 2 or 3 minutes. The depth of sedation can be altered from moment to moment, allowing the person who administers the gas to increase or decrease the depth of sedation.

Best of all, because the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped, a patient can safely drive home after their dental appointment without the need of an escort.


Conclusion:

Thank you for reading this article and check back frequently for other dental health articles. Should you have any questions, please contact Apple Tree Dental today!

Article compiled by Apple Tree Dental

Article reference links

  1. https://www.maxhealthcare.in/blogs/mordern-world-painless-dentistry
  2. http://www.asleepfordentistry.com/blog/painless-dentistry.html

 

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