Anesthesia eliminates pain and makes it possible to perform procedures that would not be possible without anesthesia. There is a need for anesthesia in all medical specialties and, of course, in dentistry.
Dental treatment should not cause pain, because modern dentistry offers a variety of anesthesia methods that allow patients to visit the dentist comfortably and painlessly, and the doctor to perform the necessary procedures with high quality.
Basic dental procedures requiring anesthesia:
- installation of dental implants;
- removal (extraction) of a tooth;
- root canal treatment;
- tooth filling;
- periodontal teeth cleaning;
- operations on the gums;
- restoration of teeth using crowns, bridges, etc.;
- removal of the dental nerve.
Procedures to improve the appearance of teeth, such as teeth whitening, can also cause some anxiety in patients. It is worth noting that the fear of dental procedures is very individual and can depend on the patient’s experience, previous traumas related to dental treatment, and the general attitude towards dentistry. For many patients, it is important to talk openly with the dentist about their concerns.
Anesthesia can help minimize the stress and anxiety associated with visiting the doctor. Safe and effective anesthesia increases the willingness of patients to undergo the necessary procedures, which contributes to better dental care.
Types of dental anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the method most often used in dentistry to eliminate the sensitivity of the oral cavity. Such anesthesia is used to perform such procedures as tooth filling, implantation, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, etc. Anesthetic is injected directly into the area where the treatment will be carried out. Active substances block the transmission of nerve signals to a certain area of the brain, making it impossible to feel pain in that area. Although the patient will be able to feel pressure or movement in this area. Local anesthetics usually start working quickly, within 10 minutes, and provide relief within 30-60 minutes.
Infiltration local anesthesia is when the dentist injects the anesthetic as close as possible to the tip of the anesthetized tooth.
Conductive local anesthesia is used during surgical interventions on the lower jaw. After all, the teeth of the lower jaw are more difficult to anesthetize than the teeth of the upper jaw. Anesthetic is injected close to the nerve trunk. This type of anesthesia covers a larger treatment area.
Light sedation consists in the application of nitrous oxide, the so-called laughing gas, with the help of a mask, avoiding needle injections.
Conscious or moderate sedation works in the same way as the previous technique, although a little more anesthesia is used. Thus, the patient is in a pleasant and relaxed state. This is usually accompanied by local anesthesia in the treatment area. People with severe anxiety or dentophobia often require sedation before anesthesia.
Intravenous anesthesia. In some cases, especially for more complex surgical procedures, dentists may use intravenous anesthesia. Anesthetic is injected directly into a vein, which provides more effective anesthesia.
General anesthesia involves putting the patient into drug-induced sleep, and must be performed under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.
The choice of the appropriate type of anesthesia depends on the specifics of the procedure and the individual needs of the patient.
If a patient is unsure or concerned about dental anesthesia, it is always a good idea to have an open discussion about the type of anesthesia that can be used.
Despite the different types of anesthesia available, each patient’s pain experience is unique, so it is important to communicate openly with your dentist, sharing your concerns and expectations to ensure the most comfortable treatment possible. It is important to tell your dentist about any known allergies before the procedure.
Side effects of dental anesthesia
Local anesthesia has a strong analgesic effect. While it works, the patient does not feel the pain area. Side effects of dental anesthesia are observed infrequently.
Common side effects of dental anesthesia include:
- temporary numbness in the treated area;
- tingling or itching;
- swelling and bruising;
- nausea;
- dizziness;
- temporary inability to blink;
- discomfort at the injection site;
- rapid heartbeat;
- nerve damage;
- allergic reactions.
Toothache during pregnancy
In order to timely warn, diagnose and cure possible pathologies, it is necessary to visit the dentist regularly. Expectant mothers also need to plan these visits because the condition of the oral cavity can change during pregnancy. In addition, local anesthesia is absolutely harmless for both the pregnant woman and the child. Painkillers of the new generation are used for safe treatment.
Can you drink alcohol before and after toothache?
It is not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages before or immediately after the application of dental anesthesia, as this may change its effect.
What are the risks of dental anesthesia?
Most people usually do not experience adverse reactions to local anesthesia. It is important to note that sedation and general anesthesia require more careful training. This is especially true for the elderly and people with health problems.
Also, people with a history of blood clotting disorders or those taking medications that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, may be at higher risk during dental anesthesia.