Does Dental Work Hurt?

One of the first questions Dr. Ghina Morad gets asked whenever she recommends a dental procedure such as a filling or a root canal is:
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"How much will it hurt?" 
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People are so afraid of dental pain that around 36% of them postpone seeing the dentist until it's too late. 
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So, does dental work actually hurt? 
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Here's what you need to know. 
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Pain Is Subjective 

Advances in pain management and dental technology have made it possible to access pain-free dentistry. That said, pain is subjective and people have different thresholds. A dental procedure that may be painless for one person could be painful for another.
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Moreover, different types of procedures can create different levels of discomfort. Teeth cleanings, for example, are usually pain-free while more invasive procedures such as a root canal can create a bit more discomfort. 
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The experience of the dentist can matter too. A skilled dentist like Ghina Morad can perform dental work with minimal discomfort. 
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Is Pain-Free Dentistry Even Possible? 

Yes, you can experience pain-free dentistry even in the case of invasive procedures like a root canal or implant surgery. 
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Here's what the team at Ghina Morad, DMD does to minimize your discomfort: 
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• Topical Anesthetics
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We use topical anesthetics to make even the most routine procedure like a dental cleaning comfortable. The gel is applied to the gums or other soft tissues to numb the area. 
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• Local Anesthesia
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If you need a more complex procedure like a dental filling, root canal, or extraction, we will use a local anesthetic to manage pain. First, we will apply a topical anesthetic before we inject the local anesthesia into the gums to numb a specific area of the mouth. Once the anesthetic takes effect, you will only feel some pressure while the dentist does her work, but no pain. 
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• Sedation Dentistry
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If just the thought of being in the dentist's chair makes you anxious, then we here at Ghina Morad, DMD also offer sedation dentistry in Redwood City to help ease your mind and allow you to access the treatment you need. 
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Based on your needs and medical history, we will recommend either laughing gas or oral conscious sedation. 
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Laughing gas is a mild sedative that will help you relax during the procedure. It has minimal side effects that go away within minutes after stopping inhaling the gas. 
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Oral conscious sedation will make you feel drowsy but relaxed and the effects will last for a few hours. 
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• Good Communication Is Essential Too
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Discuss any concerns or fears you may have with Dr. Ghina Morad and she will help you find the best pain and anxiety management options. She will also walk you through the procedure so that you know what to expect every step of the way. 
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Being able to openly discuss with your dentist without fearing that you may be judged can help create a more positive experience. 
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Access Pain-Free Dentistry at Ghina Morad, DMD

Don't let your anxiety stop you from enjoying good oral health. Talk to Dr. Ghina Morad about your worries and let the team at Ghina Morad, DMD create a pain and stress-free experience for you. 
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Get in touch with us online and let's start your journey toward a beautiful and healthy smile.