Pain Control Methods For Nervous Patients

By Author: Susan Taylor
Total Articles: 14
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The idea of going through a painful procedure during a dental treatment is enough to make any patient think twice before going through the necessary treatment. This concern is magnified even further when it comes to nervous patients, who may find it difficult to even go through a routine dental checkup without feeling anxious. It is important to address dental fear so that the needed treatment can be given without exposing the anxious patient to a traumatic experience, and so that the treatment can proceed in a more efficient manner.


The idea of going through a painful procedure during a dental treatment is enough to make any patient think twice before going through the necessary treatment. This concern is magnified even further when it comes to nervous patients, who may find it difficult to even go through a routine dental checkup without feeling anxious. It is important to address dental fear so that the needed treatment can be given without exposing the anxious patient to a traumatic experience, and so that the treatment can proceed in a more efficient manner.


Dental phobia can be managed ...
... with the introduction of pain control methods, since the idea of going through pain is one of the main reasons why patients feel nervous about going through a dental treatment. The idea of experiencing pain may be enough for nervous patients to avoid going to the dentist altogether.


Pain Control Methods

Conscious (IV) Sedation – Under conscious sedation, the sedative is administered through an IV line that runs to the patient’s hand or arm. The patient will feel completely relaxed and free from worries, but will still be fully conscious to respond to the dentist’s instructions during the entire procedure. This pain control method is ideal for those who have a high level of anxiety, or those who will undergo complicated treatments such as the placement of dental implants.


Topical Anesthetics – These are applied on the surface of the gums to numb the area, so that the injection of the local anesthetic to the same area will not be felt by the patient.


Electronic Anesthesia – The transmission of electric current, through electrodes placed on the patient’s cheek area, works on numbing that specific location in preparation for a dental procedure. This method is used in pain control as an alternative to the injection of local anesthesia, which may cause more pain as the anesthetic enters the body.


Nitrous Oxide – More commonly known as the laughing gas, this in-office pain control method is administered through a mask to bring a patient to a very happy or euphoric state. The effects of nitrous oxide quickly wear off once it is turned off.


Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation – This pain control method allows electrical current to flow into the brain to bring about a relaxed, deeply comfortable feeling, enabling a nervous patient to undergo the necessary dental treatment without being afraid.


Laser Drill – This type of drill results to less discomfort especially in the preparation for a tooth filling, compared to the use of traditional dental drills.


General Anesthesia – This is done in a hospital, or in dental practices which have the proper equipment and staff for this specific procedure. General anesthesia is an option usually reserved for cases when other pain control methods are not enough to address a nervous patient’s fears. The body of a patient placed under general anesthesia will be completely numb, ensuring that no pain is felt during the entire procedure.


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