When you undergo many dental procedures, our oral surgeons or experienced dental hygienists will provide you with a local anesthetic before beginning treatment. This local anesthetic helps to eliminate pain in part or all of your mouth, although you may still feel pressure. Local anesthetic may be used in conjunction with IV sedation to provide you with a more comfortable overall experience. Before you receive an anesthetic, speak with our oral surgeons about any allergies you have or medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs, so that we can ensure that you will be safe.

The effects of local anesthesia should last for several hours. You may have difficulty chewing or speaking clearly until the numbness wears off. Please be careful when chewing, as you may bite down on the numb area and injure yourself without being aware of it. This is especially important for children — children may chew on or play with the numbed areas of their mouths if unsupervised and can cause significant harm to themselves without feeling pain. Parents should watch their children closely after they have received a local anesthetic.

Contact our office today to learn more about local anesthetics and make your appointment with our oral surgeons.