Pain Free Dentistry

Pain-free dentistry might sound too good to be true, but modern dental procedures make it possible. At the Family Dental Group in Gardner, Paxton, and Northborough, Massachusetts, the team of general dentists uses pain-free dentistry to help people relax in the dental chair. Call the nearest office to schedule a pain-free dentistry consultation, or book your visit online today.

What is pain-free dentistry?

Millions of Americans avoid visiting the dentist because they’re worried about pain. Pain-free dentistry uses medication and anesthetics to ensure a comfortable and painless dental experience. Pain-free dentistry can help you relax, so you can receive the oral health care you desperately need.

What procedures use pain-free dentistry?

The Family Dental Group uses pain-free dentistry for various procedures, including:

• Extractions
• Root canal therapy
• Implanting dental restorations (for example, crowns and bridges)
• Applying metal-free fillings
• Removing oral abscesses

The team also offers pain-free dentistry for routine procedures, including teeth cleaning and pediatric checkups.

What are the types of pain-free dentistry?

The Family Dental Group team offers several types of pain-free dentistry, including:

Local anesthesia

Local anesthetics numb a specific part of your mouth, like your tongue or gums. They’re administered by injection and block pain and other sensory signals from reaching your brain.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Laughing gas is a colorless, odorless gas administered through a face mask. Nitrous oxide starts working instantly. You won’t fall asleep, but you’ll feel happy and relaxed.

Oral sedation

Oral sedation uses prescription pain medication like Halcion®, a brand name for Triazolam. Halcion helps you relax during dental treatment. The sedation takes several hours to wear off, so someone must drive you home after your procedure.

Intravenous sedation

The team might recommend intravenous (IV) sedation if you need extensive dental work. IV sedation is administered through a needle and enters your bloodstream, causing you to fall asleep.

What is recovery like after pain-free dentistry?

After a pain-free dentistry appointment, take the rest of the day off work or school and get plenty of rest. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, but the other forms of sedation can take several hours. You can eat and drink as soon as you get home, but most people like to wait until their gums and tongue are no longer numb.

Which type of pain-free dentistry will benefit me?

After a review of your dental records, an oral exam, and a discussion of your symptoms and goals, the Family Dental Group team develops a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs.

Call the nearest Family Dental Group office to schedule a pain-free dentistry appointment, or book one online today.