Most people understand the general types of anesthetics available in dentistry. For something like a root canal or filling, you’ll get local anesthetic, which will numb the area for the length of the service and then wear off at some point afterward. With general anesthetic, you’ll be put under entirely.

Of course, with the advent of sedation dentistry, the question of anesthesia has become murkier, which has made for some confusion across the board. Here, we’ll look at what to know about anesthetics and how to make a better choice for you.

Sedation vs. Anesthesia

You might hear people refer to these two terms as interchangeable, even though they address different concerns. With sedation dentistry, the general goal is to relax a patient so they’re able to sit through the procedure without becoming anxious or fearful. With anesthesia, the goal is to prevent pain, as opposed to help the patient feel better about the service.

Dentistry in Houston

There are a number of types of local anesthesia, general anesthesia, and sedation medications. Some of them, like novocaine, laughing gas, and Valium, you’ve likely at least heard of. Others, like isoflurane, you likely have no frame of reference for.

The right anesthesia for you depends not just on your individual circumstances, including whether you’re pregnant or have any allergies; it also depends on the type of service you’re getting and your relationship to. For example, dentists will reserve general anesthesia for more complex services, such as surgical wisdom tooth extraction or oral surgery in Houston, though they might adjust their practices for particularly anxious patients.

If you have questions about the best route for you, contact Chloe Dental to let our dentists in Houston help you decide!