The use of dental anesthesia has revolutionized oral health care, helping patients receive complex treatment without worrying about pain. It’s also been a game-changer for patients who suffer from dental anxiety, a serious phobia that affects more than a third of Americans.
Today’s dental anesthesia uses time-tested techniques and advanced technology for optimal safety and effectiveness. Still, if you’ve never had dental anesthesia, it’s perfectly normal to be a little nervous about what to expect.
At Pacific Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Center in Oakland, California, Brandon Kang, DDS, offers dental anesthesia to help you get important care without pain, fear, or anxiety. In this post, learn how dental anesthesia works and what to expect during your treatment.
You feel pain when your nerves send signals to your brain and your brain interprets those signals as pain. Anesthesia works by preventing those pain signals from reaching your brain.
Anesthesia also causes temporary amnesia, so you have no memory of your procedure. In fact, you’ll sleep or doze throughout your treatment.
There are different types of anesthesia, including general anesthesia and sedation. We use anesthesia in combination with other pain-blocking techniques, like lidocaine injections for localized pain relief.
Our team offers different types of anesthesia and sedation, allowing us to customize your treatment based on the procedure you’re having, your level of anxiety, your health history, and other factors. Some types of anesthesia are delivered intravenously through an IV needle inserted in your arm and some are inhaled.
Dr. Kang holds a license to administer general anesthesia for procedures like implant placement, wisdom tooth removal, and similar treatments. For longer or more complex procedures, we work with a medical anesthesiologist to ensure optimal comfort while allowing Dr. Kang to focus on your treatment.
Before your procedure, we provide instructions to help you prepare. In general, you can expect to avoid eating or drinking for several hours beforehand. Anesthesia can cause nausea, and this important step prevents vomiting that can interfere with your procedure.
Regardless of the type of anesthesia you receive, our team monitors your vital signs and your overall health throughout your treatment so you can feel confident about your safety, comfort, and wellness. All types of anesthesia can cause lingering drowsiness, so after your procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home; and you should plan to spend the rest of the day resting.
Dental anesthesia keeps you comfortable and relaxed, so you can get the treatment you need to maintain your oral health. Feeling nervous about a new experience is perfectly normal, and we’re always on hand to answer your questions and address your concerns.
If you’re nervous about anesthesia or have questions about its use, book an appointment with Dr. Kang online or over the phone today.
