Dentistry has advanced to the point in which pain is almost a thing of the past.

Powerful numbing medications known as anesthetics not only help a patient avoid discomfort during a procedure, but post-operatively as well.


Types of 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. Septocaine 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, extractions, 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. Once sedated, the patient will be alert, yet will remember very little. The patient can anticipate a visit with virtually no anxiety and full relaxation during the dental treatment. Most patients comment that they remember going to the dental office, but little more.

Types of sedatives include:

• Oral sedation - The patient will orally take 1 or 2 pills and then relax. The type of pill(s) will depend on how long the prodedure is and how quickly the Doctor will make the patient alert enough to go home. The protcols are different for the needs of each patient.
• Inhalation sedation - a form of sedation in which a medication (such as nitrous oxide) is administered through a special mask.
• Concious Sedation will utilize both oral and inhalation protocols to maximize the patients' comfort and relaxation.