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What are analgesics?
The most commonly used drugs to relieve toothache or any other
pain following dental treatment are non-narcotic analgesics. They
include aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, a non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drug.
Narcotic analgesics, such as those containing codeine, act on the
central nervous system to relieve pain and are used for more
severe pain.
What is local anesthesia?
Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to
prevent pain on the surface level. Your dentist may use a topical
anesthetic to numb an area in preparation for administering an
injectable local anesthetic. Topical anesthetics also may be used to
soothe painful mouth sores.
Injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area of
your mouth during treatment by blocking the nerves that sense or
transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues. They cause the temporary
numbness often referred to as a "fat lip" feeling. Injectable
anesthetics may be used in such procedures as filling cavities,
preparing teeth for crowns or treating periodontal (gum) disease.
What is sedation and general anesthesia?
Nitrous oxide and sedatives, anti-anxiety agents, help you be
calm and relaxed during dental visits. They may also be used with
local anesthetics. Dentists use them to induce "conscious sedation",
where the patients goes into a relaxed state during the treatment,
but responds to speech or touch. Sedatives are administered before,
during or after dental procedures by inhalation, mouth, or
injection.
Some treatments, such as more complex ones, usually require "deep
sedation" drugs that cause a loss of feeling and reduce
consciousness to relieve both pain and anxiety. On some occasions,
patients undergo "general anesthesia" where drugs cause a temporary
loss of consciousness. General anesthesia and deep sedation are
recommended in some procedures for children or other types of people
who have severe anxiety or have difficulty controlling movement.
A well-informed dental consumer understands the range of choices
that relieve anxiety and discomfort. If you or anyone else has
questions or any concerns about oral health care, there is no
hesitation to talk to your dentist. If you still have some concerns,
get a second opinion. You and your dentist working together can
choose the right steps to make your dentist visit as safe and
comfortable as humanely possible.
The ADA provides guidelines to help dentists administer pain
controllers in the safest manner possible. Dentists use the pain and
anxiety control techniques mentioned above to treat tens of millions
of patients safely every year. Even so, taking any medication
involves a certain amount of risk. That's why the ADA urges you to
take an active role in your oral health care. This includes knowing
your health status and telling your dentist about any illnesses or
health conditions, whether you are taking any medications
(prescription or non-prescription), and whether you’ve ever had any
problems such as allergic reactions to any medications. It also
includes understanding the risks and benefits involved in dental
treatment, so that you and your dentist can make the best decisions
about the treatment that is right for you.
Sedation is used for many different reasons. The most common one
is due to fear and anxiety. Many patients avoid going to the dentist
because of their phobia. Some never visited the dentist because of
bad experiences as a child. For many, sedation is the only way they
will get dental treatment. Other patients have extensive needs in
their procedure where sedation is necessary.
What type of sedation is used?
There are many types of sedation. General anesthesia is the one
most people think of. This type of sedation requires a machine to
help you breath. IV sedation is used in oral surgeons offices and
most out-patient procedures. It is wonderful for short appointments.
We use oral sedation - a pill. It's a simple medication with
wonderful properties.
Do I have to be hooked up to a breathing machine? Is it
safe?
No, you will not need the assistance of a breathing
machine with this type of sedation. Your reflexes are still intact
and you are able to breath spontaneously on your own. The medication
we use is a very common prescription and is extremely safe. There
are cases where people have actually tried to overdose with this
medication and have been unsuccessful.
Will I remember?
A wonderful effect of this medication is amnesia. Patients
remember little or nothing of their dental appointments. This is
very appealing for those who are highly fearful and anxious.
Does it hurt?
Are there any needles? Patients who have been sedated and have
extensive treatment usually experience little discomfort the next
day. Because your reflexes are still functioning normally, we still
use local anesthesia - you just won't remember it!
How long will I be out of work?
Most sedation patients return to work the day following their
appointment. We ask that you not return to work the day of your
sedation appointment.
Are there any side effects?
Drowsiness the day of your appointment is to be expected. Some
feel slight nausea, but that is due to the fact that they have not
eaten. Normally, patients feel fine after eating and taking in some
fluids.
Can I drive after the procedure?
You are not allowed to drive until your appointment was 24 hours
ago. All dentist offices require you to bring someone that can take
you home after your appointment.
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