How to Find a Painless Dentist

Fear of dental pain is common because of childhood traumas or an overactive imagination. One way to overcome your fear is to find a painless dentist, who uses some type of sedation to help patients relax and enjoy their dental visits. However finding the right dentist may be the best solution. A dentist you trust is ideal because there are risks involved in some types of sedation methods.

Things You'll Need

• Dentist

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Instructions

• 1

  Check with the American Dental Association's website for dentists near you. Your dental insurance also has a website with dentists searches. Research each dentist and find out if they offer sedation at their practices.

• 2

  Ask friends and relatives for their recommendations. These kinds of recommendations are one of the best ways to find a dentist you can trust. Research which dentists offer complete sedation techniques or other relaxation options, such as "laughing gas," which is nitrous oxide, or televisions.

• 3

  Meet with a few dentists and talk over your concerns about painless dentistry. You may have a history of bad experiences or other fears and ask what the dentist can do to help you.

• 4

  Ask your primary-care physician to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to take 20 minutes before a dental procedure. Numerous types of prescriptions are available. Test the medication before you go to the dentist to be sure it is right for you.

• 5

  Listen to soothing music or watch a television screen during your dental visit. Music or a good movie may be enough to create a painless visit.

• 6

  Use "laughing gas" at the dentist to help you relax with a dental procedure. It has little side effects and can help the dental appointment be painless. Many offices add scents to the gas, and it gives patients a feeling of euphoria.

• 7

  Use an IV sedation or "twilight sleep" if nitrous oxide and the anti-anxiety medication are not right for you. It is considered general anesthesia and an IV is inserted into your vein. Drugs are given to the patient intravenously and their heart rate and oxygen levels are monitored.