Does dental treatment have to hurt? No, in fact it should not be painful. There are now as many as 6 types of anaesthesia available in dental clinics, which are selected according to the specifics of the procedure and the individual needs of the patient. Read what pain-free dentistry looks like.
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Does dental treatment have to hurt?
Dental treatment should not cause painbecause modern dentistry offers various methods of anaesthesia that enable patients to have a comfortable and pain-free experience when visiting the dentist. The use of local anaesthesia is standard practice to eliminate pain and discomfort during dental procedures.
Anxiety about dental procedures is quite common and can apply to a variety of dental procedures.
Some of the treatments that patients often feel most fearful of are:
- Extraction of a tooth, especially if it is a surgical procedure, can be of great concern to patients.
- Some patients are concerned about caries treatment and tooth filling procedures, especially if needles are required to administer anaesthesia.
- Treatment of crowns or bridges may be perceived as more advanced and invasive, which can cause anxiety.
- Surgical proceduressuch as dental implants, surgical removal of wisdom teeth or surgical treatment of periodontal disease can cause concern.
- Endodontics - Root canal treatment is a procedure to treat infected or damaged teeth. Patients are often apprehensive about this procedure due to its length and potential experience of pain.
- Procedures to improve the appearance of teeth, such as teeth whitening, can also cause a degree of anxiety for patients.
It is worth noting that the perception of fear of dental procedures is very individual and may depend on the patient's experience, previous traumas related to dental treatment and general attitude towards dentistry.
For many patients it is important to talk openly with the dentist about your concernsso that the approach and provision of support can be adapted to alleviate treatment anxiety.
Pain-free dentistry
The concept of 'pain-free dentistry' refers to an approach to dental care that aims to maximum alleviation of pain and discomfort for the patient during various dental procedures. This is achieved through the use of different anaesthetic methods and by tailoring the dentist's approach to the patient's individual needs and concerns. Anaesthesia at the dentist can help minimise the stress and anxiety associated with visiting the surgery.
Safe and effective anaesthesia makes patients more willing to undergo necessary procedures, which can lead to better dental care. Various types of anaesthesia are used in dentistry to alleviate pain and discomfort during procedures. Here are some commonly used methods of dental anaesthesia.
Local anaesthesia
This is the most commonly used type of anaesthesia in dentistry. The anaesthetic drug is injected directly into the area where the treatment is to be performed. Active substances such as lidocaine, mepivacaine or articaine block the conduction of nerve signals, making it impossible to feel pain within the area.
Intravenous anaesthesia
In some cases, especially for more advanced surgical procedures, dentists may use intravenous anaesthesia. The anaesthetic drug is administered directly into the vein, allowing for more effective anaesthesia.
Inhalation anaesthesia (laughing gas)
Laughing gas, such as nitrous oxide, can be used to induce inhalation anaesthesia. The patient inhales the gas, which causes a feeling of relaxation
and anaesthesia. This is often used for light procedures or for patients who wish to remain conscious but relaxed during the procedure.
General anaesthesia (narcosis)
In some cases, especially for more complex or traumatic procedures, general anaesthesia may be used. The patient is completely unconscious and unaware during the procedure. Treatment of teeth under anaesthesia can also be used for people suffering from dentophobia.
Intravenous sedation
Intravenous sedation involves the administration of drugs to the patient, which introduces the patient's
into a state of deep relaxation. The patient remains conscious but may have limited awareness and memory associated with the procedure.
Electronic medical anaesthesia (EMLA)
This is a type of local anaesthesia in which a cream or gel containing anaesthetics such as lidocaine and prilocaine is applied to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes prior to the administration of a traditional injection.
Choice of dental anaesthesia
The choice of the appropriate type of anaesthesia depends on the specifics of the procedure, the individual needs of the patient, and the preferences of the dentist and anaesthetist. Dentistry without pain and anxiety is possible!
If a patient is uncertain or concerned about dental anaesthesia, always it is worth discussing openly the type of anaesthesia that can be used.
Despite the different types of anaesthesia available, each patient may experience pain on an individual basis, so it is important to communicate openly with your dentist, sharing your concerns and expectations to ensure the most comfortable dental experience possible.
