What is Painless Dental Treatment?
Painless dental treatment involves the use of local anaesthesia, single tooth anaesthesia, sedation or general anaesthesia to reduce any discomfort that you may have during your dental treatment.
At Raffles Dental, we strive to make your visit a pleasant one. Your comfort and experience matter to us and that is why we offer several options to reduce the discomfort you may have during your dental treatment:
Local Anaesthesia
Local anaesthesia
(Available at all Raffles Dental clinics)
Local anaesthesia is the most common method that dentists use, and it involves injecting anaesthetic solution directly into your gums. Depending on the type of dental treatment, the anaesthetic will be injected into an entire region or a small area of your mouth.
Single Tooth Anaesthesia – The Wand
(Only available at Raffles Dental, Raffles Hospital)
Those who are fearful of pain may find single tooth anaesthesia a much more comfortable experience.
The Wand replaces the traditional dental syringe to deliver anaesthetic solution to your gums through a fine needle attached to a pen-shaped hand piece.
Using computer-assisted technology, The Wand controls the anaesthetic flow rate and regulates the pressure of the injection to minimise the pain you may feel for a more pleasant dental treatment.
Sedation
Nitrous Oxide
(Only available at Raffles Dental, Raffles Hospital)
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that is inhaled through a nosepiece during the procedure. It is a colourless and slightly sweet smelling gas. When inhaled, you will feel relaxed and may feel a sense of euphoria, which makes uncomfortable procedures more tolerable.
Intravenous Sedation
(Only available at Raffles Dental, Raffles Hospital)
Alternatively, you can choose to have the sedative administered intravenously into your bloodstream, placing you under conscious sedation. Although this does not fully put you to sleep, you will be less aware of the treatment being carried out. You can be easily roused after the procedure, and may resume normal activities shortly. However you should avoid driving, consuming alcohol, or doing activities that require concentration for the next 24 to 48 hours.
General Anaesthesia
(Only available at Raffles Dental, Raffles Hospital)
Procedures requiring general anaesthesia such as extensive dental work, are usually done in a hospital setting. You will be put in a sleep-like state while the procedure is being carried out, and a dental anaesthesiologist will monitor your vital signs closely. When the procedure is complete, you will rest under observation before being allowed to go home.
Do not let your fear of pain put you off from getting the treatment you need for your dental condition. Together with our experienced dentists, these options help minimise the pain you may feel during the treatment and make your visit a pleasant one.
If you are concerned about experiencing pain during your dental treatment, make an appointment online or contact a dental clinic near you to find out which option is best for you.