Do you get stressed when it comes time to visit the dentist? From getting fillings done to getting teeth extracted, going to the dentist can cause immense anxiety for some people. What if we told you pain-free dentistry was an option? At Hancock & Johnston Dentistry, we offer pain-free tooth extraction, painless cavity filling, and other dental procedures, which can be perfect for children and adults who may be fearful of these procedures.
In this blog post, we’ll talk more about pain-free dentistry and how it might benefit you or your children.
What is Pain-Free Dentistry?
The sounds and sensations associated with routine dental cleanings, fillings, and root canals can cause anxiety in some individuals. Pain-free dentistry focuses on reducing anxiety, pain, and discomfort associated with dental procedures. It’s all about creating a relaxed and comfortable experience for patients’ dental visits.
There are a couple of different pain-free options available.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation is a method of pain-free dentistry that’s also commonly referred to as laughing gas. It’s a mild sedative administered through the patient’s nose through a mask, making them feel more relaxed and at ease. The effect of nitrous oxide is felt quickly and it also has a fast recovery time, making it perfect for a wide range of dental procedures. You can walk out of the office after your procedure feeling none of the lingering effects of the gas.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is another pain-free solution that involves the patient taking medication orally before a dental procedure. The medication causes the patient to feel calm and may even make them feel a bit drowsy. The level of sedation can vary depending on the dosage taken. While patients will still be aware of the procedure during oral sedation, their fear and anxiety will be greatly reduced and often experience a certain level of amnesia. Oral sedation allows patients to still receive and process information provided by the dentist.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is available for patients who want to completely avoid the fears associated with their dental procedure. This sedation is administered through a vein to offer accurate and precise control over the dosage. The level of IV sedation also ranges from moderate relaxation to much deeper.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is a carefully controlled process. At Hancock & Johnston Dentistry, we’re trained and certified to ensure the proper administration of sedatives while thoroughly monitoring the patients throughout the procedure. Each patient’s specific health concerns are reviewed by the treating doctor to make sure they are a candidate for sedation.
There are a variety of benefits that patients can experience from sedation dentistry.
Reduced anxiety: The main reason patients seek out a painless dentist in Lubbock is their anxiety with dental visits. Maybe they’ve had a traumatic or painful experience at a dentist, and future dental visits trigger that event. Sedation dentistry will ensure patients feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout the process.
Comfort: Sedation dentistry focuses on making the patient more comfortable during dental procedures. It can help reduce pain and sensitivity and allow patients to receive dental treatment without as many physical sensations.
Time efficiency: In many cases, sedation can help dental professionals perform treatment more efficiently. When patients are calm and relaxed due to sedation, they’ll be less likely to move around, allowing the dentist to do their work more effectively.
Better treatment outcomes: Patients who are relaxed and cooperative during dental treatment will experience better treatment outcomes and overall oral health in the future.
No-Drill Cavity Filling
No-Drill cavity filling includes minimally invasive dental techniques that reduce the usage of dental drills. There are a few methods associated with this no-drill cavity filling.
Resin infiltration: With resin infiltration, a resin material is applied to the tooth’s surface to fill the small cavities.
Silver diamine fluoride: This liquid compound contains silver and fluoride, which is applied to cavities. It’s ideal for patients with medical or behavioral concerns.
Experience the Relaxation of Pain-Free Dentistry in Lubbock
If you’ve been putting off your dental visit and looking for sedation options at the dentist, why not contact us at Hancock & Johnston Dentistry? We offer various sedation options that will ensure a pain-free dental cleaning, painless cavity filling, and an overall comfortable and efficient dental visit. Dental phobia is much more common than people think, and you don’t need to feel ashamed of it.
Consider stopping into our location and exploring alternatives to painful dentistry.
FAQ
Q: Do children’s cavities need to be filled?
A: Children’s cavities should be filled to ensure they don’t continue to cause decay and lead to discomfort and possibly damage the underlying permanent tooth. Before dentists consider fillings, they fully assess the severity and location of the cavity, as well as how much longer the child will have the tooth.
Q: What is silver diamine fluoride?
A: Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid compound that contains silver and fluoride. This compound is then applied to cavities and prevents the progression of tooth decay by preventing the bacteria that cause cavities to continue causing damage. It can be selectively used on child and elderly patients
