Different Types of Anesthesia

By William Jam Smith

When it comes to dental procedures, the necessity of anesthesia is high given how close to nerve endings the dentist gets. No matter how gentle a dentist is, the nerves of the teeth lie just beneath the tooth enamel. When there is a breach of the tooth, the nerve endings end up exposed and this leaves you open to a world of pain. This is the main reason why visits to the dental clinic are never pleasant.

Thankfully, there are many ways that the dentist can use to make your experience better. Modern technology has eased the processes making them more pleasant for you. The processes are no longer as aggressive as they were in the past and up to date dentists will no longer use the noisy drill to get to the root of your tooth. Apart from the latest equipment and tools, you have the option of sedation dentistry.

General anesthesia

This option allows you to undergo the procedure under sedation. In the past, general anesthesia was the norm and using inhaled gases and medication fed intravenously, dentists put their patients in a relaxed state allowing the procedures to go as planned. This option is great as it allows you to go through the procedures in an unaware state. Though you are still conscious, you will have no recollection of the entire procedure. The dentist can drill, inject, extract and do all manner of things to your teeth and you will not be aware.

This option is best if you have a phobia of needles. It also is good if you are anxious about the procedure. If you are conscious, you may create a fuss when you see the drill heading into your mouth. Being in a relaxed state, you will be able to go through the whole procedure in a peaceful state. The dentist will carry out his work without any distractions. This option is great for procedures that require extensive work. It is also great for patients that are fearful of the dental chair and may interfere with the procedure as it takes place due to this fear.

Local anesthesia

The other option available is the use of local anesthesia that involves injecting the nerve endings with a numbing painkiller that allows the dentists to go on with the procedures with you feeling less pain. The problem with local anesthesia is that patients are still aware of the procedure, which can be very traumatizing. The drug may also not take as quickly as expected, especially if the patient has high resistance to its effects. This may see you having to get multiple injections, which means more soreness and a lot of discomforts. This option is great for procedures that are not extensive such as extractions.

To learn more about Anesthesia, please visit: Grande Prairie Dentist

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