Advancements in dentistry have minimized pain for patients over the last few decades.
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Powerful pain-killing medications known as anesthetics help patients avoid discomfort during a procedure, as well as post-operatively.
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Some patients may require higher doses of anesthetic due to their own metabolism.
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Different types of pain-killing medications include:
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Analgesics – These are also called pain relievers and include common non-narcotic over the counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin. Analgesics are usually used for mild cases of discomfort and are typically prescribed following such procedures as a root canal or tooth extraction.
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Anaesthetics – Anaesthetics can either be topically applied, injected or swallowed. Topical anesthetics are applied with a cotton swab to an area of the mouth where a procedure, such as a small restoration, will be performed. This will numb the affected area. Topical anesthetics are used in many dental procedures such as tooth restoration. Topical anesthetics also are used to prepare an area for injection of an anesthetic. Novocaine and Lidocaine are the most common kind of injectable anesthetics. They block the nerves from transmitting signals of pain to the brain and are used for more major types of procedures, such as fillings and root canals.
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Sedatives – Sedatives are designed to help a patient relax. This can be a powerful tool in avoiding pain. Sedatives are sometimes used in combination with other types of pain relievers and pain-killers. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a form of sedative. Conscious sedation involves administering a sedative while the patient is alert and awake. Deep sedation or general anesthesia involves administering a medication that places a patient in a state of monitored and controlled unconsciousness.
Types of sedatives include:
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Intravenous (IV) sedation – Usually in the form of a tranquilizing agent); patients given IV sedation are often awake, but very relaxed.
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Inhalation sedation – a form of sedation in which a medication (such as nitrous oxide) is administered through a special mask.