Anesthesia

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.

Post-Operative Instructions for Temporary Veneers

Post-Operative Instructions for a Temporary Inlay

Post-Operative Instructions for Permanent Veneers

Post-Operative Instructions for a Temporary Onlay

Post-Operative Instructions for a Permanent Onlay

Post-Operative Instructions for a Composite Filling

Post-Operative Instructions for a Permanent Inlay

Post-Operative Instructions for a Temporary Crown

Post-Operative Instructions for a Temporary Bridge

Post-Operative Instructions for a Crown

Post-Operative Instructions for a Bridge

Crown Prep with Core Buildup

Filling vs Inlay

Prophy vs Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontal Maintenance Therapy

Gingivectomy (Esthetic)

Dry Mouth

Fluoride Treatments

Caring for a Hybrid Denture

Manual versus Electric Toothbrush

Caring for a Bridge (Implant-Supported)

Caring for a Bridge (Traditional)

Caring for a Dental Implant

Home Maintenance for Dentures

Proper Toothbrushing Technique

Proper Flossing Technique

Plaque and Calculus

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Consequences of Bone Loss

Surgical Extraction (Other)

Composite Filling (Anterior)

Impacted Third Molar

Single Tooth Loss

Simple Extraction

Scaling and Root Planing

Inlay (Impression)

Debridement