Going to the dentist rarely makes anyone’s list of Top 10 Most Fun Things To Do. However, having healthy gums is essential to prevent other diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.
And honestly, even if that weren’t the case, do you really want to be that person with bleeding gums and bad breath?
Now, we know that having pointy metal objects drilled into your mouth is not exactly pleasant. This is why we numb your gums before we get to work.
Not all dental procedures require anesthesia. But since you already get your teeth cleaned at least twice a year, you already knew that. Right?
That said, if you need to get a tooth removed (whether it’s your wisdom teeth, or getting some molars out as a teenager so that you can get braces, or due to decay), your dentist will first numb the area to spare you the screams of agony.
A root canal also requires sedation. This is done when the soft tissue inside your molars become inflamed. It sounds painful because it is. Same goes for having to fill in cavities. You want that gas to make you laugh all the way to oblivion.
Before any of these procedures are started, the dentist can numb you by different methods: “laughing” gas, a pill, or by injection. Which one is best for you will depend on your medical history, if you have any allergies, and the amount of anesthesia you require.
It’s hardly a reason to become anxious. Relax. The whole purpose of getting numbed is so that you can completely bypass the pain.
Once your procedure has been completed, your mouth will remain numb for a couple of hours. This means that your loved ones will likely make fun of you for drooling while you’re awake.
It also means that you won’t exactly be able to enjoy a large meal until your mouth is feeling back to normal.
If you like smoothies, rejoice. Any type of soft foods will do the trick: yogurt, oatmeal, soups, mashed potatoes, açaí bowls, and ice cream. If you want something more substantial, you can try eating a hearty stew. Don’t get too frustrated. This is only temporary and you’ll be back to eating meat and potatoes soon.
We understand that visits to the dentist can be scary. But we also know that the best way to feel at ease is to get someone to answer all of your questions.
At Impeccable Smiles, we’ll walk you through the process so that you know exactly what to expect. We’ll also make you laugh, since laughing patients are happy patients, and we want you to be pleased with your decision to choose us for your dental care. Call us or schedule an appointment online. We’ll give you something to smile about.
The post What to Expect When Your Dentist Numbs Your Mouth appeared first on Impeccable Smiles.
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