In addition to preventive care, our pediatric dentist and team also offer cosmetic and restorative treatments for children and teenagers. If your child is receiving one of these treatments, we may administer a local anesthetic to ensure their comfort during their dental procedure. Local anesthesia serves to alleviate pain and discomfort in specific areas of the mouth and can be combined with other types of dental sedation to enhance your child’s overall experience.
Local anesthetics are typically utilized to numb targeted regions and are commonly administered via a needle into the gum or inner cheek. Before injecting the medication, our pediatric dentist will dry the area and gently apply a numbing gel. While most patients do not experience discomfort from the needle, some may feel a mild “sting” as the anesthetic infiltrates the oral tissues.
The effects of local anesthesia typically persist for several hours following treatment. During this time, your child may have difficulty chewing or speaking clearly due to numbness. You should also keep an eye on your child, especially while eating, and help them be mindful of the treated areas, as they may inadvertently bite the numb area and injure themselves without realizing it. If unsupervised, children may chew on or manipulate the numbed areas, potentially causing harm.
Before your child receives a local anesthetic, Dr. Reza Arzegar will discuss any allergies they have or medications they are taking with you, including herbal supplements, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs. This will help ensure your child’s safety during their treatment.
Please contact Longhorn Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics today at 512-892-2443 to learn more about the use of local anesthetics in Austin, Texas, and schedule an appointment with our experienced pediatric dentist. Your child’s comfort and safety are our top priorities, and we are here to address any concerns you may have.
512-892-2443