Dentistry has advanced to
the point in which pain is almost a thing of the past.Powerful pain-killing
medications known as anesthetics not only help a patient avoid discomfort
during a procedure, but post-operatively as well.Some patients, especially
children, may require higher doses of anesthetic than others.
Types of pain-killing medications include:
Analgesics – These are
also called pain relievers and include common non-narcotic 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.
Anesthetics – Anesthetics
can either be topically applied, injected or swallowed. Dentists often apply
topical anesthetics with a cotton swab to an area of the mouth where a
procedure such as a restoration will be performed. This numbs 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. Such medications block the nerves from transmitting
signals and are used for more major types of procedures, such as fillings and
root canals.
Sedatives – Sedatives are medications 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:
Intravenous (IV) sedation – Usually in the form of a tranquilizing agent;
patients given IV sedation are often awake, but very relaxed.
Inhalation sedation – a form of sedation in which nitrous oxide is
administered through a special mask.