In-Office Sedation

Our kid-friendly dentist may suggest the use of a local anesthetic for your child's dental procedures. This in-office numbing method is designed to alleviate any pain and discomfort in specific areas of their mouth. It can be combined with other sedation methods to make your child's dental visit as stress-free as possible.

Local and Topical Anesthetics

These anesthetics have the role of numbing targeted areas. While most local anesthetics are administered via injection, we may also use a numbing gel as a topical anesthetic to make your child comfortable before the injection. Many patients who receive topical anesthetics report not feeling the needle, though a mild "sting" might be felt as the anesthetic penetrates the oral tissues.

Before we administer a local anesthetic, we encourage you to talk to our pediatric dental specialist. We need to know your child's medical history, allergies, and any medications, supplements, vitamins or over-the-counter drugs they might be taking. This information is vital to ensure your child's safety and comfort during their treatment.

Post-Treatment Care

The numbing effect of local anesthesia typically lasts for several hours, but a reversal anesthetic can be provided to reduce this duration. Your child might find it hard to chew or speak clearly while numb. If possible, avoid letting your child chew on anything as they might unwittingly bite the numb area and hurt themselves. Children sometimes chew on or fiddle with the numb parts of their mouths, so it's crucial to monitor your child to avoid any self-inflicted injuries until the numbness fades.