Pain Control
Local anesthesia, also known as “novacaine”, blocks nerve endings in the area where dental treatment will be done and is dosed according to your child’s weight. Prior to injection, a topical jelly is placed to make this process more tolerable. Dr. Birsch makes every effort to administer local anesthetics in a slow, gentle, and comfortable manner, thus eliminating any pain that may accompany dental treatment. It takes approximately 2-5 minutes for numbness to affect not only the tooth/teeth begin treated, but also the surrounding gums and portions of the lips, cheeks and tongue.
The duration of numbness after treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on what drug was used. It generally wears off after 2 to 3 hours. Until then, please watch your child carefully to prevent them from chewing or biting their inner cheeks or tongue.
Post-Operative Instructions following Local Anesthesia:
Your child has had a local anesthetic for the required dental treatment. Children do not always understand the effects of a local anesthetic, and may chew or suck the numb lip, tongue, or cheek. Although this is not usually a serious thing, it is an uncomfortable feeling for your child. Please watch your child closely following the appointment for the duration of the anesthetic, usually 2 to 3 hours.
Keep your child on a liquid diet until the anesthetic has worn off.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office at 757-398-1234.