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Am I a Candidate for Dental Anesthesia?
You and your
dentist will discuss the level of anesthesia that’s right for you. Some
patients prefer
a higher level
of anesthesia than others. The type of anesthesia administered by your
dentist
is generally
more dependent on patient preference and comfort than specific dental
procedures.
Different Levels Of Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is produced by the application or injection of a drug to eliminate pain in a
specific, localized area in the mouth. Topical anesthetics are frequently used by your dentist
to numb an area prior to administering an injectable local anesthetic. Injectable local anesthetics,
such as Lidocaine, numb oral tissues in a specific area of your mouth; they typically are effective
for a short period of time, often no longer than one or two hours. Your dentist will probably
use a local anesthetic before performing any restorations, recontouring
your teeth for crowns,
or for any
surgical procedure. Local anesthesia is the most commonly used form of
anesthesia
in the dental
office.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation may be used by your dentist to help you relax during a
procedure. Your
dentist may
administer an anti-anxiety agent, such as nitrous oxide, or a sedative, in
combination
with a local
anesthetic for pain. During conscious sedation, you will find it much easier
to remain
calm; you will
remain rational and responsive to speech and touch. Anti-anxiety agents and
sedatives are
administered by mouth, inhalation or injection.
Deep Sedation
Deep sedation and general anesthesia is generally reserved for complex
procedures. Under
deep sedation,
patients are unable to respond appropriately to verbal commands. In deep
conscious
sedation, some depression of protective reflexes occurs, and although more
difficult,
it is still
possible to arouse the patient.
What should I tell my dentist before receiving anesthesia?
Your dentist
needs to know about all the medications that you are currently taking, any
allergic
reactions you've had to medication in the past, and your past and present
health condition.
It's very
important that you answer all of your dentist's questions and ask about any
concerns
you may have.
Good communication between the dentist and the patient is the best way of
insuring
safety
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