Toothache is a common phenomenon experienced by everyone at some point in their lives. It doesn't arise due to any underlying disease, yet you must consult a dentist in case of excruciating pain. People often tend to ignore the dental check-up fearing the painful process of extraction and dentistry. However, the ensuing pain is not always the case. The dentists use every measure to control and eliminate the pain using an array of medicines. Pain-free dentistry allows the patients to trust their doctors and get the right treatment without any fear.
Medications for pain-free dental treatment
Imagining the extraction of his tooth can send chills down the spine of a patient suffering from a dental problem. Although the process seems very brutal, but the fact is that there's hardly any pain involved as top dentists resort to pain free dentistry these days and take good care of the pain with medicines. The gums are first numbed and the whole process is completely safe. Here are some of the best dental pain medications and techniques used by doctors during dental treatments.
- Topical anaesthetics: Topical anaesthetics, in the form of liquid or gel is applied over the affected gum using a swab. The gum is identified by the doctors and is numbed using topical anaesthetics before injecting a local anaesthetic to eliminate the pain. The local anaesthetic like Lidocaine ensures numbness as long the dental treatment is completed.
- Laser Drills: Laser drilling method is a much advanced technique used by the dentist to clear up the inner tooth decay and prepare the enamel filling. This process reduces the pain involved and thus the need for anaesthesia is reduced too. Dentists use laser treatment without a heavy dosage of anaesthetics.
- Anaesthesia: When general anaesthesia is given to a patient it puts them to sleep for a while. However, this process is used only in cases where patients need extensive dental work. This is a risky method and hence it is conducted in a complete hospital setting. The patient is closely monitored as the risk of falling blood pressure is high. The dental treatment is completely painless, but the risk involved makes it the less preferred method. Additionally, anaesthesia can also be delivered electronically through electric pads placed over the face. The patients can alter the dosage with a handheld monitor. These pads send electrical signals in a certain part which numbs the area for a while. It is a safe method to eliminate pain.
- Intravenous Sedation: This process involves injecting a sedative in the veins to eliminate pain and anxiety. However, this is rarely used, only in cases of extensive dental work, or for an anxious patient. The patient needs to be closely watched for his oxygen levels and might need a supplement in the process.
- Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is widely used in the dental offices to relax a patient. It is a sedative gas which is inhaled by the patient through a mask. The effects of the sedative last as long as the patient is inhaling it. Unlike any other anaesthetics, patients and can eat and drive within 12 hours of its intake. This is also a very safe method to eliminate pain during oral treatment.
Conclusion
When you notice any signs of decay followed by pain in your tooth you must immediately consult your dentist to reduce the intensity of the pain and damage. Reveal the symptoms and the areas of pain very clearly so that the diagnosis becomes easier. It is also vital to share information regarding any allergies to medicines and other issues so that the dentist can derive the right kind of pain free dentistry approach for you.
