It’s not uncommon for the word “dentist” to conjure up ideas of painful drilling or surgical procedures, or feelings of anxiety and stress. While it’s true that some of the procedures that correct serious oral health issues can be uncomfortable or unpleasant, that’s no longer a valid reason to avoid the dentist altogether. While regular and thorough oral hygiene practices are the best way to maintain good health in the mouth and teeth, there will always be conditions that require a dentist’s help to treat. Even without health problems, regular trips to the dentist for checkups and cleaning are a vital part of maintaining oral health. If you avoid the dentist when you do have a dental condition, that condition will only deteriorate and become a major health problem.
So, how can you ease the anxiety that comes with a trip to the dentist’s office, especially if that visit is to treat a problem using an intimidating procedure? Sedation dentistry at The Silberg Center offers a whole host of options to either help remove anxiety or induce numbing or unconsciousness to take away the pain from dental procedures. Some of the flavors of sedation dentistry include:
Analgesics – Non-narcotic analgesics are the most commonly used drugs for relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment. This category includes such drugs as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium. If anti-inflammatory drugs cannot be taken, medications containing Acetaminophen may also be prescribed. Narcotic analgesics, such as Lortab, Vicodin, or Tylenol are used to relieve more significant discomfort.
Anti-anxiety agents – Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is one example of an anti-anxiety agent that does not anesthetize but helps to calm and relax you during stressful dental procedures. You can still hear and talk to your dentist, and since this sedation method does not induce unconsciousness or impair you, you can drive yourself home after the procedure.
Local anesthetics – Dr. Silberg uses both topical anesthetics to numb painful wounds or sores in the mouth or prepare an area for a procedure, as well as injectable anesthetics that numb just the mouth, leaving you awake for a simple procedure but protecting you from serious pain. Local anesthetics are commonly used for smaller treatments such as filling cavities, treatment of gum disease or preparing teeth for crowns.
Conscious sedation – For the most serious and invasive procedures, relaxing and numbing agents can be administered directly through an IV to the bloodstream. Dr. Silberg works directly with Dental Anesthesia Associates when this kind of sedation is required, experts who can keep you both safe and comfortable during serious dental procedures.
Don’t let fear of the dentist or fear of painful procedures keep you from getting the care and attention your mouth needs! Come on down to our office and let Dr. Silberg keep your smile heathy and clean. He will work with you to help you determine exactly what kind of sedation dentistry is right for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
