What Kind Of Pain Relief Is Provided For Dental Extractions?
The idea of getting a tooth pulled can make a person feel very nervous, especially if they're worried about pain. These are understandable concerns, but rest assured that your dentist will take every precaution to limit any discomfort you feel during the procedure and after. Here's what you can expect for your pain management options.
During the Procedure
The way that your dentist will handle your pain may vary from dentist to dentist. Here's a look at all the potential options. For starters, general anesthesia is a common way of performing dental extractions. Under general anesthesia, you fall asleep and won't wake up until the procedure is done. This way you can ensure that you don't feel any pain at all. In some situations, nitrous oxide may be used. Nitrous oxide puts you in a comfortable, relaxed state. Then, Novocaine is injected into the area to ensure that you don't feel anything.
Last but not least, in some cases only Novocaine is used to stop pain. Keep in mind that Novocaine isn't just a pain reliever, though; it's a nerve blocker that ensures that you won't feel anything at all while your teeth are being worked on.
In general, the method that your dentist chooses is based on your oral health, your general health, and the shape of your tooth. For example, if your tooth has already come loose from your jaw bone, you may only receive Novocaine because it's a relatively quick and easy procedure. However, if you need it to be surgically removed from your jaw, general anesthesia is more common. If you're worried about which method your dentist will use, don't hesitate to ask prior to the procedure.
Following the Procedure
There's no doubt that having a tooth extracted is a fairly significant operation to undergo, so pain management afterwards is a must. In most cases, patients will be sent home with prescription pain relievers. These medications, when taken as directed, can provide significant pain relief. Don't miss a dose and don't double dose for best effect. You can also use cold packs to help reduce swelling.
Keep in mind, however, that narcotic pain relievers tend to make people sleepy and dizzy, so driving while under the influence of these medications is not a good idea. It's a good idea to schedule a little time off immediately after your procedure so that you can focus on recuperating and recovering.
For more information on dental extractions, contact a local dental clinic.