Your dentist will do everything possible to make the dental experience pleasant for you. Local anesthetics are a key part of this effort. Answer these questions for a better understanding of the use of local anesthetics during dental treatment.
What is local anesthesia?
Local anesthesia is used to prevent pain from being felt in the targeted area of the mouth during dental procedures, such as fillings, tooth extractions, crowns, dental emergencies, or gum disease treatment. Local anesthesia helps you feel comfortable during dental treatments by stopping the nerves from sending pain messages to your brain.
Novocaine was once the most widely used local anesthetic by dentists. It was replaced a number of years ago by similar, more modern medicines, such as lidocaine. However, some people still refer to any local dental anesthesia as “getting a shot of novocaine.”
How long does it last?
Local anesthesia usually works quickly and its effects do not last long. Lidocaine, for example, has numbing properties that usually start within 5 minutes of injection and last up to 2 hours. Local anesthesia often contains epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. This can prolong its effects by up to one hour.
The duration of anesthesia depends on:
- Dosage: Higher dosages are required for more complex procedures. A root canal, for example, may require a greater dose than a simple filling.
- The person receiving the dose: Medical conditions that can affect the duration of the anesthetic.
- The condition of the tooth. An infection can make the anesthetic less effective. Therefore, the dentist might use a larger dose.
You can accelerate the anesthetic’s wear-off by increasing blood flow to the area using a warm compress. You could damage the area if you bite on it. Before the numbness goes away, you may have difficulty eating, drinking or speaking clearly. You’ll typically feel your tooth first before your lips, tongue, or cheeks as the local anesthesia wears off.
What are the possible side effects of a drug?
Most people are safe from side effects, but they can occur occasionally. The side effects, which are generally mild, usually subside quickly. These include:
- The injection site may feel tingling or cause minor pain.
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Drowsiness
- Muscle twitching
Rarely, allergic reactions may occur. These can be accompanied by swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience a reaction. Inform your dentist of any medical conditions or medications that you are taking to avoid an interaction with the local anesthetic.
Does my dental insurance cover local anesthesia?
According to the American Dental Association, local anesthesia is often included in most treatments. It should not be charged separately. If you want to be sure that local anesthesia will not be charged separately, ask your dentist for a quote before treatment.
Your smile deserves the best, and we can’t wait to help you achieve optimal oral health and radiance!
