Dental Anaesthesia

Why might I need dental anaesthesia?

In order to reduce any pain or anxiety that you may experience during certain dental procedures, your dentist may suggest some sort of dental anaesthesia. The type of dental anaesthesia you may require will depend on the treatment you will be receiving. Depending on your specific treatment and level of anxiety, you and your dentist will probably decide together what type of dental anaesthesia would be best for you.

What are the different kinds of dental anaesthesia?

The two most common forms of dental anaesthesia used in the office are local anaesthesia and topical anaesthesia.

Dental local anaesthesia is applied by an injection of a sedative drug to eliminate pain in a specific area in the mouth. Local anaesthesia will numb tissues in a specific area of the mouth for a short period of time. Typical procedures associated with dental local anaesthesia are filling cavities, preparing a tooth for a crown, and several other surgical procedures.

Topical anaesthesia is applied by placing a small amount of a sedative drug on the gum or tooth itself. Often, topical anaesthesia is used to prepare an area before injecting a local anaesthetic.

A few procedures require a more intensive form of dental anaesthesia, by which the patient is sedated in some way.  These include conscious sedation, by which your dentist will administer an anti-anxiety agent to help you remain calm yet responsive, and deep sedation, during which you will be unconscious for dental surgery.

Please refer to our section on Sedative Dentistry for more information.

Do most procedures require dental anaesthesia?

No, there are many dental procedures that do not require anaesthesia or sedation of any kind. Your dentist will only apply anaesthesia when necessary as well as with your consent.

What will my dentist need to know before administering dental anaesthesia?

You will need to be very forthcoming about any medications you are taking, any medications to which you are allergic, and any specific health conditions. Certain types of anaesthesia require specific instructions prior to administering, so please be as thorough as possible. We will be sure and give a full consultation to address any concerns before administering any dental anaesthesia.

Is dental anaesthesia safe?

Although there is some risk with medications of any kind, when administered by a trained anaesthesia provider, the procedure is completely safe. Your dentist will apply topical or local anaesthesia him/herself, while other forms of sedation may be administered specifically by a dental anaesthesiologist.

Is dental anaesthesia safe for children as well?

Yes, certain types of anaesthesia are used in pediatric dentistry as well. Because anaesthesia can reduce anxiety as well as pain, it is often recommended in order to ensure a safe and beneficial dental experience for your child.

Cosmetic Dentistry is a specialized field that requires extensive knowledge and experience to be done correctly. The Medical Center Dental Group in Houston, Texas brings all of that and more to the direct benefit of each and every patient we treat. Although we are located in the world famous Houston Medical Center at Scurlock Towers, we routinely see dental patients who travel from Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Beaumont and Midland Texas to see Dr. Dale Brant, Dr. Charles Campbell or Dr. Elizabeth OSullivan-Winslow for their cosmetic denistry services. 

For any other questions related to cosmetic dentistry, you can Contact Us at 713.795.5905, visit our Dental Blog or Ask the Dentist.