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Types of Medication Used for Pain and Anxiety Treatment in Dentistry

July 6, 2021

Dental-related anxiety is a common problem among many patients in dentistry. It is the reason why many people hold back from vising a dentist near them. The anxiety is often a result of unresolved feelings of fear that patients have. For some, past traumatic experiences in dentistry are to blame for the phobia they have. For others, however, the phobia comes about due to the fear of the unknown.

Even though a lot of information is dispensed about what dental care services entail, some people are still misinformed with half-truths and myths. However, should you take time to study up and learn as much as you can about dentistry and the procedures you are interested in, you will be on the right path to overcoming dental pain and anxiety.

More About Dental Pain and Anxiety

Even though knowing better can help you do better, information is not enough to help you overcome your phobia regarding dental procedures. The main area of concern is the pain associated with many dental processes like root canal treatments, dental extractions, dental implants, dental fillings, to mention a few. Dental experts, therefore, ensure they put forth different measures that will improve the comfort levels of patients during oral procedures, hence overcoming dental anxiety.

What Does Oral Pain and Anxiety Treatment Entail?

Pain and anxiety treatment in Houston, TX, is administered differently, depending on the specific goals that the dentist has. For one, the number one factor to consider before treatment is the level of invasiveness. Some dental procedures are more invasive than others. For example, placing a dental crown on teeth is not as invasive as the process of placing an oral implant thereof. Ideally, the more invasive treatment is, the more intense measures the dentist will take.

Aside from that, dental experts take into consideration the longevity of the treatment. As expected, some procedures are more complex and time-consuming than others, which means more time will be needed to complete the treatments. In that case, the dentist has to opt for a pain and anxiety treatment near you that will keep you comfortable over a long period.

Overall, dental experts use different approaches for different patients as well as different dental treatments. The differences in pain and anxiety treatment in Houston are marked by the means of administration, as well as the concentration levels of the medication used for treatment.

Types of Treatments for Dental Pain and Anxiety

When it comes to conquering pain and anxiety, sedatives are used in dental procedures. If you have heard about sedation or being under anesthesia during dental procedures, it refers to the different treatments employed to overcome dental pain and anxiety. They include:

1. Local anesthesia – it is used to numb the mouth as the site of dental works. The numbing ensures that the procedure performed thereof is pain-free.

2. Anti-anxiety drugs – usually administered through oral sedation. About an hour or so before your procedure, your dentist will give you a pill or more to swallow. The pills help calm your nerves, relieving you from anxiety during the treatment. Oral sedation is one of the most common techniques for overcoming dental anxiety in dentistry. Depending on how much sedation you need, the dentist will change up the dosage. Usually, oral sedatives cater to mild and moderate levels of sedation.

3. Laughing gas – usually administered through inhaled sedation. The dentist will prepare a mask that you place over your nose and mouth. This face mask will deliver laughing gas and oxygen for you to inhale. The dentist can control the amount of laughing gas you inhale by regulating the oxygen levels thereof. This method of sedation proves helpful for moderate sedation. The laughing gas will help stimulate happy feelings in your brain, which will give you feelings of relaxation as your dentist works in your oral cavity.

4. Injections – usually termed as IV (Intravenous) sedation. A dentist will find a never in your hand and inject the sedative medication. The medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream, which is why this approach is befitting as the fastest technique of sedating patients. The concentration levels of the sedating drugs can be regulated as you continue with the treatment. This method works great for moderate and deep sedation.

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