How Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center Can Make You More Comfortable During Your Dental Treatment

Date: 08th August 2024

When we prepare our patients for their dental treatment, one of the first questions they ask is, “Is this going to hurt?”. It is common for patients to have fears of being uncomfortable during a procedure, but let us put you at ease. Our goal here at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center is to ensure you have the best patient experience possible, which includes keeping you comfortable. Hence, you continue to trust us with your dental needs!

Historically, dental treatment was synonymous with pain for most patients. There was a time when a lack of understanding of how a dentist could manage pain during a procedure resulted in negative experiences. Fortunately, this kind of treatment has ceased to exist for over a century. Yet, patients are still guarded about dental treatment today.

Making a patient “comfortable” can be offered in many ways. Of course, our dentist and staff always make every effort to create a relaxing environment in the office. At Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center, we cater to each patient’s specific needs and attempt to meet them where their expectations are exceeded. Here are some ways our office strives to make our patients comfortable:

Creating an environment that streamlines patient treatment
Skilled staff trained to interpret and respond to patient’s behavior during treatment
Reducing anxiety by thoroughly explaining procedure steps
Utilize local anesthesia to numb the treatment area completely
Use of inhalation sedation if necessary
Prescribing of oral conscious sedation medication as necessary
Our dentist, Dr. Kajuri Ramchand, is certified to offer in-office IV sedation for patients in need

Why Do Patients Need Dental Anesthesia or Sedation?

Teeth are sensitive structures. Each tooth has its own nerve that connects to larger nerve branches. As a result, teeth can transmit stimuli very well to the brain, including pain. When someone is experiencing pain, other health factors are affected as well. Pain, anxiety, and stress can all play a factor in risk during a dental procedure. As a quality dental office, we aim to ensure our patient’s safety throughout dental procedures. If a patient’s pain or anxiety is uncontrolled, adverse outcomes will result.

Some individuals experience high levels of anxiety and fear when visiting the dentist, and sedation can help them relax during procedures. Others may have a low pain threshold or a strong gag reflex, making sedation beneficial for managing discomfort and allowing the dentist to work more effectively. Patients undergoing extensive or complex dental work may also opt for sedation to make the experience more comfortable.

Your dentist will decide on a suitable pain management modality for you. Dr. Kajuri Ramchand is skilled in understanding each patient’s needs and will discuss any issues you feel you may encounter during a procedure. It would help to address your fears or anxieties so the dentist can appropriately manage your care.

What Are My Anesthesia Options At Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center?

Various anesthesia options help manage pain and anxiety during dental procedures. Some common types of dental anesthesia include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation. Fortunately for our patients, these are all options at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center based on your treatment and individual needs.

Local anesthesia is the most commonly used method of pain control in the dental office today. It is frequently used for fillings, root canals, and extractions. The dentist injects the local anesthesia near the area to be worked on with a syringe. The patient remains conscious during the procedure but is numb in the treatment area. After the procedure, the patient can resume regular activities as quickly as possible.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild form of sedation that helps patients relax during dental procedures. It is administered through a mask and wears off quickly after the procedure is completed. Nitrous oxide is helpful in relaxing patients during the procedure, but local anesthesia will still be necessary to ensure that a patient feels no discomfort during the treatment.

Some patients may find their anxiety prevents them from even following through with needed care at the dental office. Conscious sedation is an excellent option for patients who may have significant dental anxiety.

Conscious sedation allows patients to be awake and aware of their environment but very relaxed and calm. This level of sedation also benefits a patient’s ability to receive and respond to local anesthesia – allowing for appropriate pain management.

Before scheduling your treatment appointment with the office, discuss your dental fears and concerns with the dentist. She will prescribe the medication needed to relax you before your appointment. The most commonly prescribed medications for conscious sedation are Valium and Ativan, though your dentist will help you decide based on your medical history.

For patients with higher levels of anxiety or undergoing more complex procedures, intravenous(IV) sedation may be recommended. IV sedation offers a deeper state of relaxation and can even cause temporary memory loss during the procedure. Our certified IV sedation provider, Dr. Kajuri Ramchand, can perform your treatment right in our office in Bonham, Texas, where you will be most comfortable.

IV Sedation is an ideal choice for patients with developmental disabilities and those with debilitating anxiety, especially when extensive procedures are required. Local anesthesia is still needed for pain management during the treatment, but sedation will be delivered before receiving the local anesthesia, making administration much more tolerable for the patient.

In Conclusion:

Don’t let fear of dental treatment prevent you from caring for your oral health needs. Dental anxiety is common for many people, and we strive to put every patient at ease. We have many options to make you “comfortable” here at Bonham Sunshine Dental and Implant Center – call us today to discuss how we can help treat you confidently and comfortably!