Getting Numbing Shots Before Dental Procedures

Getting Numbing Shots Before Dental Procedures from Glow Dental Spa in Wayne, NJOne of the leading causes of anxiety surrounding dental procedures is a fear of pain. However, most offices provide several pain management options for patients undergoing more intense dental work. In many situations, injections are an efficient and effective form of anesthesia for several common procedures, such as fillings, crowns and root canals.

Types of dental anesthesia

When a dentist prescribes a treatment that requires more invasive procedures, a numbing agent may be needed to ensure thorough completion with minimal pain and discomfort. Depending on the type of procedure and patient needs, either general or local anesthesia may be used.

General anesthesia

While heavy sedation is typically reserved for surgeries, some offices may utilize general anesthesia during intense procedures for patients with severe dental anxiety. Medications may be administered intravenously or with a mask.

Local anesthesia

In most situations, a dentist will only numb the affected and adjacent areas to manage pain. Sometimes, a topical numbing gel is all that is needed to ease discomfort. More frequently, a dentist will inject a numbing agent to block the pain receptors in the affected nerves. There are several medications that accomplish this task:

  • Prilocaine (Citanest®)
  • Lidocaine (Xylocaine®)
  • Articaine (Septocaine®)
  • Mepivacaine (Carbocaine®)
  • Bupivicaine (Marcaine®)

The dentist will choose the appropriate option based on the size and location of the affected area and patient needs.

What to expect with numbing shots

It is helpful to talk with a dental professional and ask questions about the pending treatment, such as the anticipated length of the procedure and number of injections required. Patients should discuss the appropriate preparations before the day of the appointment to maintain safety and minimize anxiety.

Initial injections

While there is some initial discomfort associated with dental injections, the pain is usually minimal, especially at the hands of a gentle and experienced professional. Typically, a topical numbing gel is applied to reduce sensitivity at the injection site. Depending on the type of treatment, one or several injections may be needed. After five to 10 minutes, the numbing agent will take full effect and the dental procedures can begin.

Treatment after anesthesia

During treatment, patients may feel pressure but should not experience pain. However, individuals process anesthesia at different rates, so it is important to notify the dentist if the numbness begins to wear off. In these situations, additional injections may be required, especially during lengthy dental procedures. Fortunately, most patients do not feel these additional injections, as some of the anesthesia is still effective.

Follow-up care

Once the procedure is complete, some numbness may linger for a few hours. Depending on the targeted area, it may be difficult to control the lips and tongue. The loss of feeling should subside quickly, but most dentists recommend waiting to eat until the numbness disappears completely. Otherwise, it is possible to unknowingly injure the soft tissues of the mouth while eating.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Procedures in Wayne, NJ.

Conclusion

Numbing shots are an effective form of local anesthesia for many dental procedures. It is important to discuss expectations with a dentist to prepare for upcoming injections. With proper administration, injections can help block pain during treatment.

Request an appointment or call Glow Dental Spa at 973-524-7705 for an appointment in our Wayne office.

Related Posts

What Materials Are Dental Crowns Made Of?

Dental crowns are the most popular restorations administered by a general dentist. Their ability to completely cap molar teeth makes them unique. Additionally, there are many options when it comes to the material that dental crowns are made of. This gives patients the ability to weigh the pros and cons of each material, allowing for…

What Can I Expect After The All-on-4® Procedure?

All-on-4® dental implants are a popular teeth replacement option for a number of reasons. But how do you know if All-on-4 is right for you? Of course, the best person to ask is a dentist. However, if you are considering this option, here is an overview of what you can expect from All-on-4.All-on-4 replaces a…

What Materials Are Used In Dental Fillings?

Before we get into our discussion of the materials used for dental fillings, it is important to know what they are used for. Fillings are used to replace parts of teeth that have been affected by cavities, cracks, or damage from nail-biting or teeth grinding. There are various materials that fillings are made of. Read…