The Healthy You Is the Better You

Posted on: 3 June 2021

Dentists provide all types of oral care for patients. In addition to routine exams, dentists must sometimes perform dental procedures like root canals and dental fillings. Dentists need the right tools for these procedures, not only hardware but pharmaceutical products as well. Here are four types of pharmaceutical products that are frequently used during dental procedures:

1. Topical Anesthetic

Before dentists can perform oral surgery on patients, they need to properly anesthetize patients. Topical anesthetic is an important tool in this endeavor. Topical anesthetics can be applied to the mucous membrane of the patient's mouth in anticipation of an injection of local anesthesia. The topical anesthetic will numb the nerve endings in that area, allowing the patient to feel more comfortable as the shot is administered. Lidocaine and benzocaine are commonly used as local anesthetics in dental applications.

2. Local Anesthetic

Local anesthetic allows dentists to numb patients' mouths before performing dental fillings and root canals. Local anesthesia is strategically injected into patients' gums in the area around the tooth to be operated on. The anesthesia used is usually a mix of lidocaine and epinephrine. This pharmaceutical product allows dentists to work on their patients' teeth humanely.

3. Nitrous Oxide

Some patients experience anxiety when faced with dental procedures. Even ordinary oral exams and teeth cleanings can be upsetting for these patients. Helping patients manage their anxiety can lead to a better patient experience. Nitrous oxide is an inhalable gas that can be administered through a nose mask. Nitrous oxide allows patients to remain conscious and able to respond to commands while still blunting their anxiety response. This mild anxiolytic is appropriate for patients of all ages, and it causes no lingering side effects.

4. Intravenous Sedatives

Certain patients experience a level of dental anxiety that cannot be managed through nitrous oxide alone. These patients may need more intensive anxiolytic drugs. In some cases, intravenous sedatives may be an option. IV sedatives are injected directly into patients' veins. These drugs are often used for more elaborate dental procedures, such as tooth extractions. IV sedatives can help patients remain calm during long dental procedures. Some of these drugs can even provide the desired amnesiac effect.

These pharmaceutical products are vital for patient comfort. You can order these medications from a dental pharmaceutical product supplier, such as P3 Dental Technologies. By keeping your dental office stocked with the equipment you need, you can provide prompt service when it comes to scheduled and emergency dental procedures.