Local Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is a type of a anesthetic used by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, which numbs mouth tissues. A topical anesthetic will be applied to numb the area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic. Reminder: We do not use the word shot in our clinic. Local anesthesia is used during several different procedures - listed below are a few of them.
- Extractions
- Filling cavities
- Pulpotomy
- Crowns
Your child’s mouth will be numb for approximately two to four hours. This may include the lip, tongue and cheek (sometimes even part of the nose). Your child will have to be carefully monitored to make sure they do not bite, suck, scratch or injure their cheek, lips or tongue during this time. Doing any of these things can cause swelling and injury to the area.
