What Does the Dentist Use to Numb Your Mouth? Block Injections and Infiltration Injections
What does the dentist use to numb your mouth? The two most common types of injections that dentists use to numb your mouth are called block injections and infiltration injections. With a block injection, the local anesthetic is injected into the tissue that surrounds a particular nerve. This type of injection numbs a larger area than an infiltration injection.
With an infiltration injection, the local anesthetic is injected into the tissue that surrounds a tooth. This type of injection numbs a smaller area than a block injection. Dentists may use one or both types of injections, depending on the procedure being performed.
What Does the Dentist Use to Numb Your Mouth? Local Anesthetics
So, what does the dentist use to numb your mouth? The active ingredient in all local anesthetics is a drug called an amide. The most common amide local anesthetics used in dentistry are lidocaine, ropivacaine, and bupivacaine.
These drugs work by interfering with the way that nerves send signals to the brain. When they are injected into the tissue around a particular nerve, they cause the nerve to be unable to send signals. This results in numbing of the area that is supplied by that nerve.
Possible Side Effects
Most people have no problems with local anesthetics. However, as with any medication, there is a small risk of side effects. They include:
- hematoma: a collection of blood that forms under the skin;
- allergic reaction;
- an increase in heart rate;
- numbness outside the area that was injected.
But you shouldn’t worry too much about these side effects. They are rare, and your dentist will take steps to minimize your risk of them. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you have any concerns, be sure to talk to your dentist.
What Does an Anesthetic Do?
So, what does the dentist use to numb your mouth, and what are the effects? The anesthetic injection will typically take effect within a few minutes. Once it does, you shouldn’t feel any pain in the area that was injected. The numbing effect will last for several hours. During this time your face, tongue, and gums may feel numb, and you may have trouble speaking clearly. You may also have trouble swallowing, making certain facial expressions, or moving your face.
These effects should wear off within a few hours. It is good to avoid hot beverages or chewing a hard or crunchy snack during this time, as you may bite your cheek, tongue, or lip without realizing it. There is a risk of hurting yourself without meaning to.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “what does the dentist use to numb your mouth” is not a mystery anymore. Local anesthetics are safe and effective drugs that are used to numb the mouth before dental procedures. As mentioned, most people have no problems with local anesthetics. However, as with any medication, there is a small risk of side effects. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. If you have any doubts, be sure to talk to your dentist.
Similar Posts:
- How Long Does a Wisdom Tooth Extraction Take? | Wisdom Teeth Removal
- Mouthwash for Toothaches: Can a Mouthwash Stop a Toothache? How Does It Work? Here’s What You Should Know
- Keflex for a Tooth Infection: Dosage, Effectiveness and Side Effects
- Home Remedies for Killing an Exposed Nerve in a Tooth: Toothache Relief
- Why No Ibuprofen After Tooth Extraction? Here’s What You Should Know About Ibuprofen After Tooth Extraction
