Is pain during dental procedures a common concern?
One of the most common concerns that patients have is pain during dental procedures. Some patients may have had an uncomfortable experience at a dental office in the past, and that can make it difficult to return for care.
One of the things that we take pride in at Periodontics and Implant Dentistry of Tallahassee is the approach we use for local anesthesia. We use appropriate numbing medications and techniques and take the time needed to help keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
If you're uncomfortable or feel that an area isn't adequately numb while we're working, let us know. We can stop, evaluate what's happening, and determine what additional steps may help.
What if I have dental anxiety about a procedure?
Dental anxiety associated with a procedure is very common. We take a number of steps in the office to help make your experience as comfortable as possible.
A lot of people are anxious about pain, certain noises, or simply sitting in the dental chair. If headphones would help, if you need a break, or if there's something else that would make you more comfortable, please ask. We want to understand what concerns you before we begin.
For some patients, sedation may also be an option. Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, can help some patients feel more relaxed during treatment. After the nitrous oxide has been discontinued and you've appropriately recovered, your dental team will determine when it's safe for you to leave and whether you can drive.
We may also offer oral sedation for appropriate patients. Oral sedation can cause significant drowsiness and may affect memory of the procedure. If oral sedation is being used, you'll need to follow the specific pre- and postoperative instructions we provide, including arranging for a responsible adult to drive you when required.
What if I'm embarrassed about the condition of my mouth?
Many patients tell us that because they haven't been to the dentist in many years, they're embarrassed about the condition of their mouth. Some people may even feel like they've waited so long that there aren't good treatment options available anymore.
We've seen patients with many different dental and periodontal needs. Our job is to evaluate where you are now, explain what we find, and talk with you about the treatment options that may be available.
You don't need to wait until your mouth is in better condition before coming in. The exam is where we start figuring out what can be done to improve your oral health.
What if I have a significant gag reflex?
One common barrier for patients is a significant gag reflex and the concern that it will make dental treatment difficult. If you know that certain areas, instruments, or procedures tend to trigger your gag reflex, let us know before we begin.
We can adjust our approach based on the procedure and your individual triggers. Positioning, pacing, suction, communication, breaks, and other techniques may help make the experience easier to manage.
What about the numbing shot?
A very common concern is what patients call "the shot," meaning the injection used to administer local anesthetic. This is one of the areas where taking our time can make a difference in the patient's experience.
We may use topical anesthetic before the injection and administer the local anesthetic carefully and gradually. You may still feel pressure, a brief pinch, or some discomfort, but our goal is to make the process as manageable as possible.
If you're particularly anxious about injections, tell us ahead of time so we can talk you through what to expect.
What happens if something doesn't go as planned during treatment?
Another common concern is what happens if something doesn't go as planned during treatment. Sometimes that concern comes from a previous dental experience or from hearing stories about procedures that didn't turn out as expected.
Before treatment, we'll explain what we're recommending, what the procedure is intended to accomplish, and the potential risks, limitations, and alternatives that apply to your situation.
No dental procedure can guarantee a particular outcome. If something unexpected happens during treatment or healing, we'll evaluate the situation, explain what's happening, and discuss the appropriate next steps with you.
Your dental health matters to us, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re looking for expert dental care near Tallahassee, FL, call (850) 909-9731 or email [email protected] to learn more. Ready to get started? Schedule your appointment below.