Why don't dentists give a pain pill 30 minutes before dental work?

Question

I know I need to go to the dentist. I have a wisdom tooth that is killing me, and I'm taking ibuprofen like candy now. The thought of the pain-even from the numbing shots (I'm VERY sensitive to pain) terrifies me. So, why can't dentists either prescribe one heavy duty pain pill to be taken 30 minutes before the procedure, or just give the patient one when they arrive at the office? (Heck, even some type of anti-anxiety pill would help someone like me...)

I know I need to go to the dentist. I have a wisdom tooth that is killing me, and I'm taking ibuprofen like candy now. The thought of the pain-even from the numbing shots (I'm VERY sensitive to pain) terrifies me. So, why can't dentists either prescribe one heavy duty pain pill to be taken 30 minutes before the procedure, or just give the patient one when they arrive at the office? (Heck, even some type of anti-anxiety pill would help someone like me...)
I know my dentist prescribes medication, he did after my husband's dental work. Also, the numbing gel used prior to the numbing shots doesn't help. (Especially when I'm already in alot of pain.)

Answer 1

My dentist does if yours won't find a new dentist. My dentist gave me a valium. Also he lets me sit for 20 min until the numbing gel does it's thing then he gives me a tiny bit of medicine in the numb skin then he waits 5-10 min and gives me a little more until I have all I need then he goes away usually to see another patient it takes me a long time to get numb and they schedule this into my appt.

Answer 2

Haha, I'm 15 too and I've been into surgery 22 times. Something with the year we were born I guess. I used to have problems like this before because my mum didn't receive enough anesthetic during my birth. I haven't seen Awake but my dad's a doctor and explained to be exactly how it all works. Firstly, by law now doctor's are required to have their patients under more anesthetic or gas than required for the surgery or practice just in case something takes longer than expected which is why you're always asleep or numb a long time after it's over. Secondly if you were awake for some reason but couldn't talk which I assume the movie is about. Like he can't move or talk but he can feel it and everything. You'll be hooked up to a heartbeat monitor and if your heartbeat shoots up (which will happen if you're in surgery and "awake") they stop the procedure completely until they know why. Thirdly, usually in major surgeries there are 3 components to it. One puts you to sleep. The second keeps you asleep. The third temporarily cuts off the connections between your brain and the rest of your body that channel pain. (Not really useful during surgery as you're asleep but it's supposed to be like an emergency thing. It's the reason when you come out of surgery it doesn't hurt at all but after a while it starts feeling sore and whatnot. It also accounts for the grogginess that follows.) So no worries mate. If it comes to it you can have the doctor talk to you too. He'll probably be able to calm you down. Though I haven't had my tonsils removed, the way I remember other people having it done I don't think they put you to sleep usually. I think they usually just numb the area which is the 3rd component. I don't know though. I do know they have you on some pretty heavy pain meds afterwards. You can always do what I do before surgery which is to let the fear overtake you for 10 seconds and promise yourself after that you're done being scared. Just count to 10 out loud if you have to. I usually try not to think about it and have myself distracted. I usually eat a lot of food before too. As in the day before due to the whole you can't eat before being put under.

Answer 3

Because for most people the shot of lidocaine stops the pain, and the patient is able to drive home without being impaired by any side effects of this drug. Most pain pills will not stop the pain when he drills into a tooth. Sorry you have to get the shot. If you are terrified of the need a dentist could have you inhale some nitrous oxide to keep you calm

Answer 4

I am the same way!! There is a pill they give to people like us to calm the nerves,and it makes you pretty loopy! Just ask your dentist next time before hand.
Also he should put a q-tip like thing of numbing stuff on before the very first shot too. Or if you want just ask to be put on an IV and then you'll sleep the entire time!
Goodluck.

Answer 5

Most are not certified to perscribe the types of drugs you are talking about. There are a few that are. Check your yellow pages for relaxed dentistry or with the board that certifies dentists in you area.

BTW, get that wisdom tooth taken care of quick. I have a friend that didn't, he ended up in the hospital with a major infection, almost died, and the final hospital/doctor bill was $16,000 out of his pocket... That should scare you more than any needle could.

Answer 6

It's up to you to take what you think will help before you get to the dentist. If facing an extraction, lay off the aspirin for a couple of weeks ahead of time because they're blood thinners. If he plays music in the office, zone out on it. Anxiety causes pain to be much worse than it has to be..

Answer 7

They do and it's called oral sedation. They charge extra for it. There are other ways to be sedated....IV. They still give you local anesthetic though. The following is a link that will provide everything that you need to know and that is available in a dental clinic. Talk to the dentist. It is their job to make sure you're comfortable during your treatment. http://www.simplestepsdental.com/SS/ihtSS/r.WSIHW000/st.32558/t.32558/pr.3.html

Answer 8

Because depending on what the dentisit needs to do the painkiller could have an adverse affect on any anesthesia they may need to use and in the case of oral surgery most narcotic painkillers lower your heart rate and if they add another drug it could lower your blood pressure to dangerous levels.