Local anesthesia is a procedure you may frequently hear about, and some of you may already have personal experience with it. It is one of the most common practices in the dental field, applied before specific treatments such as tooth extraction or preparation of a tooth for filling.
Although local anesthesia may cause concern for many patients, in reality, its application makes dental procedures much more comfortable and effective.
HISTORY
Before administering any anesthetic, your dentist should take a medical history to be informed of any diseases or allergies that might lead to adverse effects. Inform your dentist about any other medications you are using, including vitamins or herbal and homeopathic remedies. Do not forget to mention any past reactions to antibiotics or other substances.
ANESTHETIC COMPONENTS
The most commonly used local anesthetic is lidocaine. However, the injection also contains other components:
- A type of drug called a vasoconstrictor. This medication narrows your blood vessels, allowing the numbness to last longer.
- A chemical substance that aids the vasoconstrictor’s effectiveness.
- Sodium hydroxide, which helps maintain the proper functioning of lidocaine.
- Sodium chloride, which assists the anesthetic in entering your bloodstream.
TYPES OF ANESTHESIA
There are two types of local anesthesia: one that numbs a larger area of your oral cavity by “blocking” the nerve in that specific region, and one that numbs a much smaller area around the site where the needle was inserted.
DURATION OF ANESTHESIA
Local anesthesia can last for several hours. When you leave the dentist’s office, you may find it difficult to speak, eat, or even swallow. It is important to be careful not to accidentally bite the numb area and cause injury. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid eating any meals while numb.