Our Location:
Schupack Family Dentistry
850 N Main Street Ext
Wallingford, CT 06492
(203) 269-4249
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- dental implant (7)
- common symptoms (1)
- oral health (30)
- teeth whitening (4)
- cosmetic dentistry (9)
- oral hygiene (22)
- dental injury (7)
- dental emergency (2)
- bad breath (1)
- braces (6)
- orthodontics (4)
- tooth decay (8)
- dry mouth (2)
- smile makeover (2)
- tooth pain (5)
- mouthguard (1)
- pediatric dentistry (5)
- teeth wear (1)
- eating disorders (1)
- bruxism (1)
- dental appliance (1)
- pregnancy (3)
- crowns (5)
- nutrition (6)
- wisdom teeth (3)
- gum disease (4)
- dental care (1)
- root canal treatment (1)
- anesthesia (1)
- chipped teeth (1)
- tmj disorders (2)
- celebrity smiles (41)
- toothpaste (2)
- dental implants (12)
- dentures (4)
- mouthguards (4)
- air abrasion (1)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- mouth rash (1)
- orthodontic treatment (5)
- retainers (1)
- x-rays (1)
- dental visits (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- antibiotics (2)
- dental injuries (1)
- dentistry (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- shingles (3)
- mouth sores (1)
- toothbrush (1)
- root canal (1)
- tooth wear (1)
- teeth grinding (4)
- tooth replacement (2)
- missing teeth (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- snoring (3)
- retainer (2)
- fluoride (2)
- smoking (2)
- extraction (1)
- osteoporosis (1)
- GERD (1)
- flossing (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- x-ray (1)
- partial denture (1)
- crown (1)
- diabetes (1)
- local anesthesia (1)
- toothache (1)
Categories:
My Blog
Posts for tag: anesthesia

Controlling discomfort during dental work is one of our top priorities. Advances in anesthesia over the last century have made that objective easier to attain, especially for routine procedures.
The term anesthesia means “without feeling or pain.” It refers to the use of substances to prevent a patient’s nervous system from sensing pain. There are two basic types: general, through intravenous injection (IV) or gas inhalation that places a patient in an unconscious state; and local, which only affects the part of the body involved in the procedure while the patient remains conscious.
The latter type has become very important in dentistry, especially for mild to moderate procedures. Because teeth and gum tissues are rich in nerves, patients can have a heightened level of sensitivity that can increase anxiety and discomfort during dental work. Local anesthesia reduces that discomfort and relaxes both patient and dental provider.
We typically administer local anesthesia in two ways: by applying the anesthetic to the outside tissue surface (with a cotton swab, patch or spray) or by injection. The first type, topical anesthesia, is most often used to eliminate the pricking discomfort of the needle used to inject the main anesthetic. Using both applications eliminates any painful sensation at all — the only thing you might feel is a slight pressure during the procedure.
As mentioned before, local anesthesia benefits us as well as you. Knowing you’re at ease and comfortable allows us to better focus on the procedure — we’re not rushed to finish to spare you further discomfort. A relaxed, unhurried atmosphere is essential to a successful outcome for any dental procedure.
We’ve also found solutions for another issue with local anesthesia that concerns patients: the length of time the numbing effect lingers after a procedure. In response, the dental profession has developed different types of anesthesia that reduce this after effect considerably. We’re also more selective about what procedures actually require anesthesia — some, like routine teeth cleaning or work on the outer enamel (which doesn’t contain nerves), can usually be performed without it.
All in all, local anesthesia reduces your level of discomfort and increases our ability to be thorough in performing your dental work. You’ll not only find the experience more pleasant, but it will also enhance the quality of your care.
If you would like more information on alleviating pain and discomfort during dental work, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Local Anesthesia for Pain-Free Dentistry.”