Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentistry

Reducing Dental Numbing Blues

Thursday, October 22, 2009

I hate being numb!

Probably one of the most popular complaints that we hear on a daily basis is “I hate being numb!”
I can’t say that I blame anyone. I too hate being numb.
That being said it is better to be numb than not and experience the pain that comes with getting a tooth restored.

The pain of an injection can be minimized if not avoided altogether. First of all have your dentist apply a topical anesthetic to the area to be injected. This ointment should be left in place for several minutes for it to be effective. When used correctly this topical anesthetic will deaden the tissue where the needle will be entering.

Computer driven syringes will also make the experience of getting numb more comfortable. There are two such systems available The Wand and Comfort Control Syringe (CCS).

Although different in their application, they are similar in the way they deliver the anesthetic in a steady smooth precise control manner. I personally use the CCS and most of my patient rave about how we don’t hurt them. They often state that they didn’t even know that I had used a needle.

Even without a “special syringe” if a dentist takes their time and slowly infuses the anesthetic the patient should be relatively comfortable. Some dentists are even attaching a little vibrating mechanism on their syringe to distract the patient while the injection is being given.

A suggestion to help the numbness go away faster is after your dental appointment go for a power walk or light exercise. The exercise will increase your heart rate and thus your body will metabolize the anesthetic that much faster.

There is truly an art to giving an injection that is comfortable and painless. If you have any questions about this or ay other aspect of your dental health, please give us a call at 561-394-9000. We will be please to arrange for an appointment to help you obtain the highest level of dental health.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.