If there is one place many of us dread to go, it is the dentist’s chair. The sight of a large syringe being injected into tender gums can bring tears to the eyes of even the most red-blooded person. Fears about the dreaded needle, as well as the sight and sound of the high-pitched drill are enough for many to avoid the dentist until we are in considerable pain ourselves. Recent advances in dentistry, however, along with age old relaxation techniques have gone a long way toward riding people of their needle phobia with the result that many patients are now leaving dental clinics without little or pain whatsoever.

CHILD’S PLAY

An English dentist has invented a technique known as photo-activated disinfection or P.A.D to attack decay in teeth. The method, popular in Australia and Japan, uses a special disinfectant, activated by laser, to kill instead of drill out the bacteria. The tooth can then rebuild itself aided by a porous sealant and a tooth mousse, which is used at home and promotes tooth growth. With no injection, no drilling and no filling, there is no “fear factor” and children, who have more reason than most to visit and be afraid of the dentist, reportedly like using the fruit-flavoured mousse on their teeth.

THE WAND

Many dentists throughout the world now use an electronic injection device called “The Wand”, a computer-controlled device that automatically “senses” the precise pressure and flow rate needed to administer the anaesthetic. “The Wand” works by using a very thin needle, which is positioned near the gum, but before the needle touches the gum a drop of anaesthetic numbs the surface tissue. As the dentist glides the needle into the gum, the tissue just ahead of the needle tip is numbed by the anesthesia. Once the needle is fully inserted, the computer slowly releases a stream of anaesthetic. There is no sudden prick or burning sensation. 82% of patients surveyed said “The Wand” is a completely painless process.

WATER-BASED LASERS

Dentists in America are using hi-tech laser type devices as an alternative to anaesthesia. Contrary to other laser devices, the dental laser doesn’t use heat and light directly; it uses water combined with air. The high pressure water laser numbs the nerves in the tooth as it cuts, eliminating the need for an anaesthetic. The laser also sterilises the tooth, enhancing the bond of the filling. Lasers operate with better precision than a drill, making it easier to remove decay and treat specific areas of the tooth. Healing time is also faster, so the risk of infection is greatly reduced. The procedure, according to patients is pain-free.

SURFACE ANAESTHESIA

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This involves using an anaesthetic on the surface of the tooth or on the gum in the form of aerosol, gel, ointment, or solution. Surface anaesthesia is mainly used with minor pain procedures such as exploratory procedures, treating abscesses and the extraction of milk teeth in children. The technique can also be used to de-sensitise the insertion point of a needle for complex dental procedures.

THE POWER OF THE MIND

Many dentists today train their patients in hypnodontics, a form of hypnosis to control and eliminate pain. Through deep relaxation techniques, a soothing atmosphere and a calm, reassuring dentist, patients can learn to ease their anxieties and reduce their stress levels. For especially nervous people, dentists sometimes practice deep relaxation techniques in conjunction with harmless Nitrous Oxide or “laughing gas”.

MAKING THE WHOLE VISIT MORE COMFORTABLE

More dental clinics are now investing time and technology in painless anaesthetic options because they realise procedures which overcome patient’s fears can offer a competitive advantage in the market place. Dental clinics have also realised that certain people feel uncomfortable throughout their visit, and dislike sitting in the chair for long periods. To help them relax, special DVD glasses with a wide selection of movies and sitcoms are provided. Another way of taking people’s mind off what the dentist is doing is hand and foot massages before, during and after treatment.

Painless procedures like all of the above now available in clinics throughout the world, so there’s no real reason to fear a trip to the dentist in the future. With RevaHealth.com, you can quickly find and contact a dental clinic in the destination of your choice and ask about pain-free treatments.