Say Goodbye to Dental Anxiety: Pain-Free Visits Are Now a Reality

Every year, around 40 million Americans avoid going to the dentist because they’re anxious about it, according to the American Dental Association. Skipping dental visits can lead to serious issues like tooth decay and gum disease, and it can also mean missing out on routine oral cancer screenings that can catch the disease early when it’s easier to treat.

Even if the thought of a dental visit makes you feel like you’re about to swim with sharks, there’s some good news. Modern dentistry has made huge strides in pain management, making dental visits much more comfortable. Here are some common techniques that dentists use today to ensure a pain-free experience:

**Topical Anesthetics:**
These are usually applied with a swab to numb the gums before a local anesthetic shot, like Lidocaine. They only affect a small area and wear off in about an hour, so you won’t feel discomfort from the needle.

**Laser Drills:**
If the sound of a dental drill makes you cringe, you’ll be happy to know many dentists now use laser drills. These can remove plaque and decay with less discomfort and without the unsettling noise of a traditional drill.

**Electronically Delivered Anesthesia:**
If you hate needles more than drills, there’s an option for you too. Dentists can use TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), which uses adhesive pads to send electrical impulses that numb areas of your face. You control the level of stimulation with a handheld device, so you’re in charge of your comfort.

**Nitrous Oxide:**
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled and helps you relax before and during your dental procedure. It’s a popular sedation method because it wears off quickly, allowing you to recover fast and even drive yourself home afterward.

**General Anesthesia:**
For those with severe dental phobias or who need extensive dental work, general anesthesia is an option. This will put you to sleep for the entire procedure, ensuring you don’t feel a thing. However, it does come with more risks, so it’s typically reserved for extreme cases.

With these modern techniques, there’s no need to let dental anxiety keep you from taking care of your teeth and overall health.