Pain-free dentistry – from Novocain to twilight sedation

Easing the Discomfort

You’ve probably read it here before or seen it on our website: “No one enjoys going to the dentist.” While there are several explanations for this reluctance, the main one can be summed up in a single, four-letter word: pain.

People might say things like, “I don’t like having metal tools poking around in my mouth,” or “the smell and sound of the drill really bothers me.” But if you dig a little deeper, it almost always comes back to the fear of pain — plain and simple.

Back in school, we learned that pain is defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience linked to actual or potential tissue damage — it’s the body’s way of alerting us to possible harm. That’s the detailed explanation, but the bottom line is this: at Hitomi Dental Office (HDO), we take extensive steps to prevent unpleasant experiences from happening in the first place. How do we manage that?

Clear Communication is Key

Whether you’re on the job or trying to line up your shot on the golf course, it’s always better to know what’s ahead. The same principle applies to visiting the dentist — the more informed you are, the more relaxed you’ll feel.

That’s why our dentists and hygienists take time to walk you through your treatment plan in detail. We want you to feel informed and confident. After all, surprises may be fun at a birthday party, but not when you’re sitting in the dental chair.

Customized Sedation for Every Patient

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “one size fits all.” While that might apply to certain clothing, it certainly doesn’t apply to dental care — especially when it comes to pain management.

The most common anesthetic we use at Hitomi Dental Office is Novocain, and we’ve become very skilled in its application. Every patient is unique, and over the years we’ve fine-tuned our approach to determine the most effective dosage and injection sites to ensure optimal pain control during procedures.

We also use nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” which helps ease anxiety by calming your nervous system. It creates a light, floaty feeling that makes the whole experience more comfortable. In some cases, we combine nitrous oxide with Novocain for even better results.

There’s also the subcutaneous injection, which means administering a safe sedative just under the skin. This can induce sleep or a deeply relaxed state, allowing the procedure to be carried out with minimal awareness or discomfort. You will feel relaxed with just the right amount of drowsiness and will not have any memories of the treatment experience once the session is over.

Pain-free dentistry at HDO: Q&A

Q: If I am allergic to Novocain, what are my options for a pain-free dental treatment?

A: At Hitomi Dental we use other anesthetic agents administered via injections. For example, prilocain (a.k.a. Citanest) and others. Please let us know if you have any medication allergies when filling out the intake form during your first visit to HDO.

Q: I have (severe) dental phobia. Which sedation options should I consider?

A: You may want to consider undergoing treatment with nitrous oxide sedation in combination with local anesthesia injections. For patients with the phobia of needles, we typically begin with nitrous oxide to help you relax, and then administer local anesthesia a few minutes later. Subcutaneous sedative injections can also be a good option for those with severe dental anxiety.

Q: Can I go back to work or drive after the treatment with “laughing gas” or sedative injection?

A: You can safely return to work after undergoing a sedated treatment. However, you mustn’t drive for the remainder of the day.