Care and Comfort in Placerville
Pain often creates hesitation when it comes to visiting the dentist. Many expect discomfort from visiting the dentist and therefore delay care. Unfortunately, this delay often leads to more serious pain — from toothaches, gum irritation, abscesses, or cavities. Regular dental visits help prevent these problems.
At the Placerville Dental Group, patient comfort comes first. Our team understands the importance of gentle care. Some mild discomfort follows certain procedures, but that discomfort usually fades quickly as the body heals. Most patients feel relief once the source of the pain is treated.
Pain Relief During and After Treatment
Dentists use several tools to manage discomfort. Local anesthesia numbs the area during treatment. For patients who feel nervous, sleep dentistry offers a calming solution. After the procedure, some soreness may follow, but we have options to help you feel comfortable during recovery.
Opioids in Dentistry
For intense or short-term pain, some dentists prescribe opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone, or codeine. These medications block pain signals and provide strong relief. Often, they are prescribed in combination with acetaminophen or aspirin. While effective, opioids come with risks. Continued use can lead to addiction, and side effects include dizziness, nausea, constipation, and shallow breathing. In extreme cases, overuse leads to serious health problems. Thankfully, there are other options for pain relief.
Safer Alternatives to Opioids
NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin reduce pain and swelling. Acetaminophen also helps with pain, though it doesn’t reduce inflammation. These medications work well for many of our dental patients and carry fewer risks than opioids. Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs may lead to side effects such as heartburn or stomach upset. Even so, these medications rarely cause serious harm when used properly. Once their effectiveness reaches a limit, increasing the dose offers no added benefit. If the pain continues, contact the Placerville Dental Group for further evaluation.
Your Comfort Matters!
Few enjoy the idea of pain, especially dental pain. But rest assured, discomfort after a procedure fades. Our goal includes making sure pain stays manageable throughout recovery. If adjustments to your medication become necessary, we address those needs promptly and carefully. Some patients benefit from home remedies or additional pain-relief techniques. Our team would be pleased to discuss these options with you. Call the Placerville Dental Group today for personalized help with pain management.
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