Both options provide different levels of comfort and consciousness during dental procedures, each with its own unique benefits and considerations.

So, what is the difference between sedation and sleep dentistry, and how can you choose the right one for your procedure?

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses various medications to help patients relax during dental procedures while remaining conscious. Often called “conscious sedation,” patients stay awake but feel calm and relaxed.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, represents the mildest form of sedation. Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before the procedure, creating a deeper state of relaxation [1].

The strongest form of sedation dentistry uses intravenous (IV) medications, allowing the dentist to adjust sedation levels throughout the procedure while maintaining consciousness.

• Minimal sedation keeps patients fully awake but relaxed.
• Moderate sedation might cause slurred speech and limited memory of the procedure.
• Deep sedation brings patients to the edge of consciousness, though they can still be awakened when needed.

Throughout all levels of sedation dentistry, patients maintain their natural protective reflexes and can respond to physical and verbal stimulation.

What Is Sleep Dentistry?

Sleep dentistry, or general anesthesia, represents a completely different approach to patient comfort. Under general anesthesia, patients become fully unconscious and cannot be easily awakened until the medications wear off.

This method requires an anesthesiologist’s presence and specialized monitoring equipment. The medications used affect the entire body, not just consciousness levels, requiring careful preparation and recovery protocols [2].

Key Differences and Considerations

The following aspects differentiate these two approaches to dental comfort:

• Consciousness level. Sedation maintains partial awareness, while patients under general anesthesia will not be aware of the procedure.
• Medical supervision requirements. An anesthesiologist is required to be present throughout the procedure for sleep dentistry.
• Recovery duration. Sedation dentistry patients often recover within two to four hours, but it can take up to 24 hours for sleep dentistry patients to fully recover. 
• Cost implications. Due to the level of care required, sleep dentistry is more expensive than sedation dentistry.
• Risk levels. Since sleep dentistry is general anesthesia, it has higher risks associated with it and may not be suitable for all patients.

Medical Evaluation Process

Both methods require thorough pre-procedure evaluation. Doctors assess cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and current medications [3]. Sleep dentistry requires extensive testing, including potential bloodwork and EKG monitoring. Patients with sleep apnea, obesity, or certain heart conditions may face restrictions on which method they can safely use.

Making an Informed Choice

If you’re considering sedation or sleep dentistry for an upcoming dental procedure, it’s crucial to discuss each method with your dentist to determine the best option. Your dentist can help you make the right choice for your procedure type, health, and other factors. You don’t have to let dental anxiety or dental phobia prevent you from getting the care you need—ask your dentist about sedation and sleep dentistry today.

Sources:

1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22275-sedation-dentistry
2. https://agd.org/constituent/news/2022/01/17/dentists-and-sedation
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592406/

The post What Is the Difference Between Sedation Dentistry and Sleep Dentistry? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, open communication between patients and dentists is essential for overcoming dental anxiety and receiving the care needed to maintain oral health.

So how can you discuss your dental anxiety with your dentist, allowing for a more comfortable and positive dental experience? We have some tips for you below.

Be Honest and Open

The first step in addressing dental anxiety is acknowledging and communicating your feelings with your dentist [1]. Remember that dental professionals are trained to understand and help patients who experience anxiety around dental care.

Be open about your fears, concerns, and past negative experiences. By honestly sharing your concerns and feelings, your dental team can provide appropriate support and tailor the treatment to your needs.

Discuss Specific Triggers

Identify and discuss specific triggers that intensify your dental anxiety with your dentist.  These could include the sound of drills, needles, or the feeling of being trapped in the dental chair.

By understanding your triggers and communicating them to your dentist, your oral healthcare professional can take steps to minimize or eliminate them, offering alternative techniques or tools to address your concerns [2].

Establish Effective Communication Signals

Work with your dentist to establish clear signals that indicate when you need a break during a dental procedure. This can be as simple as a hand signal to alert the dentist if you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed so they can stop treatment and you can take a break.

Agreeing on such signals in advance can empower you to take control of your dental experience and alleviate anxiety during treatment. This way, you are in charge of how long the appointment continues and when you’d like to stop.

Ask About Relaxation Techniques

Many dental practices offer relaxation techniques to help anxious patients feel more at ease during their appointment. These may involve deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, or watching a TV show during treatment [3].

Ask if your dentist provides such amenities and explore which methods might work best for you. For example, they may offer a TV show, but you might prefer to listen to your own music or a podcast. Ask if it’s ok to bring your own device for use during the treatment.

Explore Sedation Options

If your anxiety is more severe, consider discussing sedation dentistry options with your dentist. Sedation dentistry is widely available and is designed specifically to support patients who feel more anxious at the dentist [4].

Sedation can range from minimal doses of oral sedatives to intravenous sedation administered by an anesthesiologist. Your dentist will explain the available options and help you choose the best level of sedation based on your comfort level and the complexity and length of the procedure.

Build Trust and Establish a Relationship

Developing trust between you and your dentist is crucial in overcoming dental anxiety. Choose a dentist who understands your concerns, listens attentively, and provides compassionate care.

If you feel the dentist minimizes your feelings or doesn’t understand, consider seeking care elsewhere. Building a positive relationship with your dentist will help alleviate anxiety and ensure your dental needs are met. You should have confidence in your dental professional and their ability to understand and accommodate your needs.

You Don’t Have to Skip Dental Care Because of Anxiety

By working with the right dentist and being open about your concerns, it is possible to manage and even overcome dental anxiety and ensure a comfortable and stress-free dental experience.

Remember, your oral health is important, and with the right support, you can stay in control and maintain a healthy smile—you don’t have to skip dental care because of your anxiety!

Sources:
1. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drills-needles-and-pain-oh-my-coping-with-
dental-anxiety-2019121818475
2. https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/12/23523. https://www.ada.org/en/publications/new-dentist-news/2022/february/5-tips-to-
reduce-anxiety-and-stress-in-dentists-patients-during-their-visit
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327823/

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Sedation dentistry uses medications to help patients feel more relaxed during their appointment. The levels of sedation dentistry can range from mild sedation, in which you will remember your appointment, to deep sedation, in which you may have a limited awareness of your procedure.

There are many benefits to using sedation dentistry when you need multiple procedures to restore your smile.

Feel Better About Your Smile Restoration

Research shows that dental sedation can help reduce anxiety prior to the patient’s procedure, meaning patients can feel more relaxed and less anxious about their smile makeover or restorative procedures [1].

Since there are various levels of sedation dentistry, your dentist will work with you to personalize your treatment for your specific needs. This way, you can achieve the level of sedation you’d like for your appointment to properly reduce your anxiety and maximize the effects for a smooth and comfortable procedure.

The use of sedation dentistry is especially helpful for patients that require multiple procedures or those that have significant dental anxiety about restoring their smile.

Get Multiple Procedures Done in One Appointment

Some patients have a limited tolerance for how much dental work they can handle during a single appointment. However, with sedation dentistry, you may be able to extend your tolerance for treatments, allowing your dentist to complete multiple steps in one appointment [2].

Patients who receive sedation dentistry report feeling relaxed and pain-free during their appointment, so their dentist or prosthodontist can complete procedures that require numerous steps.

Therefore, patients can potentially shorten their treatment time and not have to wait weeks between appointments, meaning they can complete their restorative or cosmetic work sooner than they would have been able to otherwise.

Potentially Experience Less Postoperative Pain

Although your dentist will ensure you are pain-free during your procedures, it’s possible that sedation dentistry results in less postoperative pain. One of the reasons for this is that a patient’s level of worry or anxiety can influence the discomfort they feel after their procedure.

Research shows that when moderate sedation is used, patients recall lower levels of pain and anxiety after their procedure [3]. So dental sedation may have a twofold effect of reducing anxiety before the procedure and decreasing the level of pain experienced after the procedure.

Is Sedation Dentistry an Option for You?

Most patients will qualify for sedation dentistry, so talk with your dentist about whether sedation dentistry is an option for you to feel more comfortable and potentially shorten your treatment time for a complete smile restoration!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5005095/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564087/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24528789/

The post Benefits of Sedation Dentistry When Restoring Your Smile appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

During sedation dentistry, you may receive an oral medication to take at your appointment, or you may opt for a heavier level of sedation through an IV to be put into a deep sleep during your procedures [1].

Whether you need a filling or a more involved treatment such as a dental implant placement or veneer restoration, sedation dentistry is typically an option to help you restore your smile without anxiety.

Do you qualify for sedation dentistry, and when is it an option?

For Dental Implants and Restorative Procedures

Although sedation dentistry is not required for dental implant procedures, it is certainly an option. Some patients have anxiety about getting a dental implant placed and would prefer extra support to remain comfortable during their appointment, which can result in greater satisfaction with their procedure [2].

Sedation dentistry is an option for:

• Bone grafting for dental implants
• Dental implant placement
• Dental implant restoration and repair
• Mini dental implants

You may also choose sedation dentistry to help you stay relaxed during other restoration procedures, such as those for dental bridge, veneer, and crown placement or repair.

Sinus Lifts, Gummy Smile Treatment, and Extractions

Sedation dentistry is also an option for procedures such as sinus lifts prior to dental implant placement and gummy smile treatment as well as tooth extractions.

Although you will be completely numb during your procedure, if you have anxiety about experiencing pain, are uncomfortable with people being in your personal space, or have a strong gag reflex, sedation dentistry may be for you [3].

You can also opt for sedation dentistry during emergency procedures, such as when having a broken tooth removed, restoring a knocked-out tooth, or getting an exam when you are experiencing sudden or severe tooth pain.

Full Mouth Reconstruction and Smile Makeovers

People who need a full mouth reconstruction or a smile makeover may be facing numerous procedures and appointments, which can cause stress and anxiety. If you need to fully restore your smile but find the idea of multiple procedures and appointments daunting, sedation dentistry is an option.

In fact, sedation dentistry can even help patients receive multiple treatments in just one appointment, whereas these treatments would normally take several appointments. So if you qualify, sedation is a worthy consideration for full smile makeovers and restorations.

Want to Learn More About Sedation Dentistry?

If you are curious about sedation dentistry for your smile restoration, dental implant placement, or gummy smile treatment, ask your dentist if you would qualify for the type of sedation you are looking for. Sedation dentistry has helped patients just like you to have a worry-free treatment at their dental office.

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327823/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35403382/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6318731/

The post When Is Sedation Dentistry an Option? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

But how can you make comfort a priority at your dental appointment? Fortunately, by taking a few steps, you can ensure you are relaxed and ready to have your best smile with the right dentist!

Finding the Right Dentist

The first step is to find the right dentist and practice to work with. You should feel comfortable with your dentist, but they should also answer all your questions and take the time to help you understand your options and your treatment.

Your dentist should be professional and not make you feel rushed, uncomfortable, or silly for asking questions. The best way to find the right dentist for you is to schedule a consultation with them [1]. You can visit the practice, learn more about what they offer, and get an understanding of their approach to your oral care.

Sedation Dentistry

If you experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can help you feel more comfortable at your appointment. Many oral care providers offer sedation dentistry to help their patients get the care they need without the stress and anxiety many people experience around a dental appointment.

Different types of sedation dentistry are used to reduce anxiety in adults and children [2]. Depending on your unique care, your options may include:

• Nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is the mildest form of sedation and is inhaled. One of the benefits of nitrous oxide is that the effects wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home afterward.
• Oral sedation. Oral sedation includes the use of medications to help manage anxiety.
  Your provider will give you a pill or pills to take when you arrive for your appointment,
  and your treatment won’t begin until the medication takes effect.
• IV sedation. IV sedation can range from semi-conscious sedation to general anesthesia. Patients who receive this type of sedation will not remember their procedure and may feel groggy afterward and need an adult with them to take them home afterward.

Discussing Options With Your Dental Team

You should always feel comfortable communicating with your dentist and your dental team. Look for a practice and a dentist that offer the patience, respect, communication, competence, and quality of service you need for your oral care [3].

Depending on your specific case, there are typically always options for your treatment. Your provider should discuss all possibilities available to you, including the pros and cons of each one. You should never feel pressured into making a decision and should always feel in control of your care.

By finding the right dentist, considering sedation dentistry, and discussing all your options with your dentist, you can make comfort a priority at your dental appointment so you can smile without worry.

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5005095/
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4669916/

The post Making Comfort a Priority at Your Dental Appointment appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

During your appointment, your experienced dentist will provide a level of sedation ranging from minimal to general anesthesia to help you relax and receive the treatment you need for a beautiful and healthy smile.

How can you prepare for an appointment with sedation dentistry? While each dentist will give you specific instructions for your appointment, here’s what to expect for each level of sedation!

Minimal Sedation

During minimal sedation, you will be awake and alert, but more relaxed than usual. Nitrous oxide—also known as laughing gas—is commonly used for minimal sedation.

Some dentists will suggest that you avoid eating for approximately two hours prior to your appointment when receiving nitrous oxide, as it can make some people nauseous. Otherwise, you shouldn’t have many restrictions prior to your appointment.

The good news is that the effects of nitrous oxide are quick to wear off, usually within just minutes. This means most patients can go home by themselves after a sedation dentistry appointment with minimal sedation.

Moderate Sedation

Moderate sedation is the next level of sedation and typically consists of oral medication [1]. Your dentist will prescribe sedative medication that may be used in combination with nitrous oxide to provide the optimal level of sedation needed for your procedure. You’ll take the medication upon arrival at your dentist’s office and wait for it to take effect.

There generally aren’t any fasting requirements with moderate sedation, but always follow your dentist’s specific instructions. As the effects of the medication can take some time to fully wear off, you should have someone to take you home following the procedure and stay with you for a few hours.

Deep Sedation

You will be asleep during deep sedation, but you won’t be unconscious as you would be during general anesthesia [2]. Since this is a form of intravenous (IV) sedation, the effects can take up to 24 hours to wear off, and you’ll need someone to accompany you home.

Your dentist may also suggest fasting before your appointment. You won’t remember the procedure and may experience mild side effects such as nausea, a headache, and drowsiness in the hours after you get home [3].

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation. You will be unconscious and not remember the procedure. You’ll likely need to fast before your appointment, and you should have someone go home with you, as the anesthesia can take 24 hours to fully wear off.

You may experience side effects such as a sore throat, nausea, and confusion. It’s a good idea to plan to take the rest of the day off to recover.

Can Sedation Dentistry Help You?

For patients that have extreme anxiety about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry may be an option to help you safely and comfortably get the treatment you need. If you find yourself avoiding dental care because of anxiety or fear, ask your dentist about sedation dentistry for your next appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.cdsbc.org/CDSBCPublicLibrary/Minimal-Moderate-Sedation-Standards.pdf
2. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Anesthesia-
or-Sedation-for-Your-Childs-Dental-Work.aspx
3. https://www.asahq.org/whensecondscount/anesthesia-101/types-of-
anesthesia/ivmonitored-sedation/

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During a typical sedation dentistry appointment, you’ll be given an anti-anxiety medication upon your arrival, which will help you relax during your procedure. However, there are different levels and types of sedation that your dentist may offer based on your procedure and your level of anxiety.

But is sedation dentistry safe? Here’s what you need to know when considering elective
sedation at the dentist’s office!

All Types of Sedation Dentistry Are Considered to Be Safe

When proper guidelines are followed, sedation dentistry is considered to be a safe and effective practice for patients [1]. It’s important to work with an experienced dentist who offers sedation dentistry to better meet your unique needs when it comes to receiving dental care.

Not every dental practice offers sedation for patients with dental anxiety. If you’re looking for a dentist to partner with for your oral care needs and think sedation dentistry could be helpful for you, it’s best to find a dentist who offers sedation and speak with them more about their options for your comfort.

Potential Risks of Sedation Dentistry

Dentists that offer sedation take extra care to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and temperature to ensure that you’re safe before, during, and after your procedure.

While children tend to tolerate sedation dentistry well, people who are obese or suffer from sleep apnea present unique challenges [2]. Sedation dentistry can still be done if you are overweight or have sleep apnea, and your dentist will discuss any risks with you and take extra precautions to ensure your safety.

Although rare, there is a small chance that you would have an allergic reaction to the medication used during your sedation procedure [3]. If you have any known allergies, be sure to inform your dentist prior to your appointment. Your dentist will make every effort to ensure a safe procedure!

Can You Drive Yourself Home Afterward?

There are different levels of sedation you may choose to have. The following are the most
common levels and whether or not you can drive yourself home after the appointment:

• Nitrous oxide. Better known as laughing gas, this is the lightest level of sedation, and its effects don’t last very long. You can typically drive yourself home after the procedure.
• Oral sedation. The level of sedation will vary based on your dose, but you’ll usually need someone to drive you home following your appointment.
• Moderate sedation. Typically done intravenously, this level of sedation can be easily adjusted, but will still require you to have transportation home afterward.
• General anesthesia. The effects will last the longest in this level of sedation, so you’ll need to be driven home after your appointment.

Your dentist will discuss specific aftercare instructions with you before your appointment so that you know what to expect.

Considering Sedation Dentistry?

If your dental anxiety has prevented you from getting the oral care you need, sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to receive dental care while feeling comfortable. Consider looking for dentists that offer sedation dentistry in your area!

Sources:
1. http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Education%20and%20Careers/Files/anesthesia_use
2. http://www.jdentaled.org/content/76/9/1129
3. https://www.cda.org/portals/0/pdfs/fact_sheets/nitrous_oxide_english.pdf

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When visiting the dentist, your comfort comes first. Dentists are here to help, and you should be able to receive the level of care you need at your dental practice of choice. Here are some things to consider when finding the best dentist for you and your family for the best care!

Look for an Oral Healthcare Professional Who Can Meet Your Needs

Determine what you’re looking for when it comes to an oral healthcare professional. Do you have small children and need a family-friendly dentist, or a dentist that provides after-hours emergency care just in case? Are you looking for an experienced cosmetic dentist for a smile makeover?

Regardless of what your goals are for your smile, find a dentist who can provide you and your family with the care you need. Contact dental practices in your area and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the types of services they provide and any specialties they may have.

Consider a Dental Practice That Offers Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety

If you have dental anxiety or dental phobia, you need a compassionate oral healthcare professional that has experience working with patients just like you. Today, many dentists offer sedation dentistry, which allows patients with severe anxiety to receive a sedative upon arriving for their appointment. With sedation dentistry, you can relax to your level of comfort and receive the treatment you need.

When looking for a dentist that provides sedation dentistry, it’s important to work with an experienced practice [1]. Look for dentists that specify that they offer sedation dentistry, then reach out to ask what types they offer to see if their options will work for you!

Schedule a Meet-and-Greet

If you’ve found a dentist that offers everything you’re looking for, you can schedule an in- person meet-and-greet to evaluate the dental practice further [2]. This way, you can get a feel for the friendliness of the staff, the cleanliness of the office, and speak with the dentist in person to find out more about them and to see if they’d be a good fit for what you’re looking for.

Most dental practices will consider this a consultation to review your goals for your smile and to review treatment options should you like to consider moving forward.

Your Teeth and Gums Deserve the Best Care!

The teeth and gums you have are for life. By partnering with a professional dentist to take the best care of your smile, you can ensure that your teeth remain healthy and strong for the decades ahead. Your comfort comes first at the dentist, so be sure to find the right one to support your oral health goals and have a beautiful smile!

Sources:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6327823/
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/how-to-choose-a-dentist

The post When Visiting the Dentist, Your Comfort Comes First appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

People who avoid the dentist due to dental anxiety or dental phobia can benefit from sedation dentistry and receive the treatment they need without distress. Here’s what you can expect when you opt to receive dental sedation for your appointment at the dentist!

Your Options for Dental Sedation

A common form of mild dental sedation is nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas. If you aren’t able to relax under nitrous oxide, your dentist may suggest oral sedation.

During oral sedation, your dentist will prescribe a medication, usually a pill, that you’ll take
before you come in for your appointment. Some of these medications are also administered at the dentist office during your appointment orally or intravenously [1].

In the event that you need extensive dental work or have a deep fear of the dentist that
moderate oral or intravenous sedation doesn’t help, you may need to consider general
anesthesia, in which you’ll be completely unconscious for your entire appointment.

General anesthesia may also be considered for children with disabilities who need to receive dental treatment but do not respond well to dentist visits [2].

How You Can Expect to Feel

The goal of sedation dentistry is to provide anxiety relief for patients, so you can expect to feel more relaxed and less nervous with sedation dentistry.

For nitrous oxide, you’ll be awake and aware during your appointment but will feel calm. Oral sedation will relax patients, although they may feel drowsy or groggy. Moderate intravenous sedation may make patients fall asleep but will not induce a deep sleep.

Patients who opt for general anesthesia will be completely or almost completely unconscious during the procedure and will recover at the dental office before going home [3].

What Happens After Your Appointment

Dental sedation can affect everyone differently. The effects of laughing gas don’t last long, so some patients may be able to drive themselves home after their appointment.

However, for more moderate and heavy forms of sedation, you’ll need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment, as the effects of the medication will need time to wear off. During this time, patients can expect to feel sleepy and may not remember the procedure.

Some patients may experience a headache, nausea, or dizziness following their procedure. Your dentist and their staff will be sure you recover from the anesthesia or medication before you go home.

Is Dental Sedation the Right Choice for You?

Dental sedation isn’t for everyone. However, for the right people, dental sedation can make the difference between getting the treatment they need to have a healthy smile and a lifetime of dental issues.

Talk to your dentist about dental sedation to learn more about your options and if sedation could help you relax during your next appointment!

Sources:
1. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/anesthesia-and-sedation
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5564153/
3. https://www.dentalfearcentral.org/help/sedation-dentistry/iv-sedation/

The post What Can You Expect from Dental Sedation? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

However, it’s understandable that some patients would want to avoid dental anesthesia. Many patients would prefer to avoid having an anesthetic injected into their mouth while some patients are worried about the possibility of a reaction to the anesthesia or being “put under” for a procedure.

Are there alternatives to dental anesthesia? Thanks to modern medicine, there are ways you can receive the treatment you need, pain-free!

Dental Lasers

Dental lasers have traditionally only been used for soft tissue in the oral cavity but can now be used for harder tissue as well. Dental lasers are quiet, do not require anesthesia, and do not cause pain, which helps to alleviate the anxiety many patients feel at having to have their mouth exposed to needles, drills, and other tools.

Lasers also help make dental procedures more effective. Your dentist can work quickly and efficiently to complete your procedure without worrying about your anesthesia wearing off or controlling bleeding. Lasers can help to prepare a tooth for a filling, can be used to reshape gum tissue, and much more.

Dental lasers are rapidly becoming a staple at dental offices in place of traditional anesthesia and are transforming dentistry as well as patient experience at the dentist office.

Electronic Anesthesia

Electronic anesthesia, commonly referred to as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), a specific form of electronic anesthesia, helps patients to control their pain at the dentist office.

TENS consists of pads that are placed on the outside of your mouth as close as possible to the area that is receiving the dental treatment. These stimulation pads deliver an electrical current that’s controlled by you—you control the amount of stimulation you receive using a device you hold in your hand.

The voltage is very low and provides the benefit of avoiding the risk of reaction to anesthesia, avoiding injections, and also avoiding any side effects—after the pads are removed and the procedure is complete, you can return home with no lasting effects.

Electronic anesthesia helps stop nerves from signaling to the brain that the body is in pain. This procedure is helping patients to take control of their pain management in the dentist’s chair and alleviating the need for traditional anesthesia.

When it comes to receiving anesthesia at the dentist’s office, you aren’t limited to managing your pain in a specific way. Many dental practices are now offering innovative and advanced techniques to help you receive the treatment you need with as little discomfort as possible. Ask your dentist about their experience with lasers or electronic anesthesia to receive the treatment you need for your smile!

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