For many people, dental treatment is a source of fear. This is because the process can be accompanied by painful sensations during dental work. However, this factor can easily be mitigated through the use of anesthetics. Tooth treatment without injections is rare and is usually done to reduce anxiety in an already nervous patient.
When Anesthetics Are Used
Dental procedures involve many different factors that can cause pain. This occurs due to the presence of nerve endings within the structure of the tooth. To allow the dentist to work comfortably, anesthesia is applied. It is necessary for procedures such as:
- filling cavities;
- tooth extraction;
- crown or prosthesis placement;
- removal of tartar;
- nerve removal;
- pediatric dental procedures.
Two types of anesthesia can be used: an injection into the gum or a special spray. The choice of method is made at the dentist’s discretion.
For minor procedures, only a spray may be sufficient. It affects only the surface tissues and eliminates discomfort. For deeper procedures or surgeries, local anesthesia is mandatory.
Situations Where Treatment Can Be Done Without Anesthesia
Dental treatment without anesthesia is possible in rare cases. The dentist evaluates the condition of the tooth, the patient’s level of fear, and the type of procedure. Such situations typically include:
- work on primary teeth in children;
- filling a small cavity;
- light oral cleaning;
- replacing a filling in a tooth with a removed nerve.
Additionally, some patients may have an allergic reaction to anesthetics. Their use could cause breathing difficulties, swelling, redness, fever, and other adverse reactions that interfere with healing. In such cases, allergy testing is performed first, and a suitable anesthetic is selected. If possible, the dentist may proceed without anesthesia.
Root canal treatment without anesthesia is also possible. This is usually done after the complete removal of the nerve. In this case, the tooth is “dead,” and the patient experiences no pain, only mild discomfort at most.
The question of treatment without painkillers remains open. Nonetheless, dentists recommend using anesthetics because it makes the procedure easier and more comfortable for the patient, especially for children.
