Fear of pain is one of the most common reasons people give for delaying visits to the dentist. However at Smiles Unlimited Dentistry, P.C., our patients are kept comfortable not only be a welcoming atmosphere, but also by the availability of anesthetics that can numb your mouth so you won’t feel any discomfort.
The first important step is to find a dentist you trust – one who will listen to your fears and put your mind at rest that you are in safe hands. Your dentist should be willing to walk you through the steps of your dental procedure so you are aware of what is taking place in your mouth.
It’s also critical that you be honest with your dentist if you have taken any chemical substances to calm you down prior to coming to the dental office as it can be potentially hazardous to your health.
We know that a visit to the dentist can be filled with anxiety. So what options are available to help ease your discomfort during dental procedures?
For patients who are fearful of needles, topical anesthetic can be used to numb the part of your mouth where the procedure will be done. For some, a topical anesthetic will be enough to keep them comfortable during dental work, however, for others, a local anesthetic can be applied once the area is numb.
Another great option is nitrous oxide or laughing gas which is inhaled through a rubber face piece. Extremely effective and wearing off quickly, nitrous oxide is one of the easiest ways to comfort those who are phobic about dental work.
Lastly, patients with extreme dental fears and phobias can be put to sleep with general anesthesia. Patients who receive general anesthesia are awakened once the dental procedure has been completed.
With pain free dentistry, there’s no longer a need to put off a visit to the dentist over free of discomfort during a procedure!