While visiting a dentist may not be appealing for some, it gets worse when one needs a filling. The good news is that the field of modern dentistry is always improving, and the way fillings are done now is easier and less painful than before. One of the best ways to make sure a patient stays comfortable during the procedure is by numbing the area where the work will be done.
Have you ever thought what exactly is used to make the numbing happen, and how it accomplishes such an important task? Our blog post aims to answer what dentists use to numb your mouth for fillings, how the procedure is carried out, and what to expect during and post your appointment. Keep reading!
How Dentists Numb Your Mouth?
One way in which dentists can numb a patient’s mouth is through the use of local anesthesia. It is the most common and trusted way of assuring numbing during procedures such as fillings, root canal treatment, tooth extraction, and any other invasive surgery.
Firstly, the dentists inject a small amount of numbing injection for teeth into the area around the tooth they are going to work on. This type of medication interrupts the transmission of pain impulses from the specified area to the brain. Therefore, while the dentist is working in your mouth, your brain does not perceive any pain. You simply feel some degree of pressure or movement, but sharp pain is absent.
And guess what? Before the injection, many dentists apply a topical anesthetic, a numbing gel to the gums that helps lessen the sharp pain of the injection. So yes, they do numb you before they numb you. Pretty cool, huh?
The Most Common Numbing Medications
The market is full of numbing medications, but the following are the most frequently used;
- Lidocaine is one of the most frequently used anesthetic in dental clinics. This strong and reliable medicine works relatively quickly and has a sustained numbing effect. Dentists use it because it is safe and effective with minimal side effects than older medications, such as novocaine, that is not used as frequently nowadays.
- Dentists, sometimes, use articaine or mepivacaine as other forms of anesthetics. They work in the same way but may be chosen for different reasons, such as duration of the procedure, location of the surgery site, or the patient’s medical history.
No matter the medication used, the goal remains the same: to keep you pain-free with the help of effective dental pain relief options.
How Local Anesthesia Works?
Mostly, dentists use local anesthesia for fillings. When dentists see that numbing shot, the anaesthetic starts working after a few minutes. It works on the nerves around the affected tooth as well as the gums and obstructs their transmission pathway to the brain. As a result of this blockage, all pain is eliminated while the dentist does his work using different tools on the tooth.
This condition remains for a few hours. Some patients may feel their lips, cheeks, and tongue bit thick, heavy, or tingly. Nothing to be worried about; this is quite normal. The numbing effects wear off in bits and pieces. So while everything still looks strange, you have to be careful not to bite your cheek or lip.
What’s in the Injection That Numbs You?
The anesthetic used is not just one ingredient, it’s a combo of components working together to create a powerful dental anesthesia. Epinephrine is one such key component that is used with other local anesthetics to improve their function and duration.
Epinephrine causes vasoconstriction (narrowing of the small blood vessels around the site of injection). It slows down the spread of the anesthetic in the body, and the numbing effect remains in the region where it is most essential. It also contributes to less sore and bleeding tissue during the dental work.
Some patients, notably those with some heart diseases or other medical issues, are more tolerant of epinephrine. In such scenarios, dentists are able to change the type of anesthetic used, or provide a different dose that does not contain epinephrine.
If you have experienced such issues before or have a preexisting medical condition, make sure to inform your dentist in advance.
Other Types of Dental Anesthesia
Local anesthesia is the most frequently used method of treatment for fillings, but dentists use other types of anesthesia for different situations.
1- Topical Anesthesia
Topical anesthesia includes a local anesthetic applied to the gums before the injection we discussed earlier. It facilitates easier handling of the shot.
2- General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is for more advanced dental procedures or patients with exceptional anxiety regarding dental work. It keeps the patient entirely unconscious and is mostly done in hospitals.
3- Sedation Dentistry
There is also sedation dentistry, which allows patients to stay awake while feeling relaxed. This option is available for patients who feel anxious about dental procedures. Depending on your case, you might be offered a pill, laughing gas, or, in some cases, even IV sedation.
The selection of a proper tooth numbing medication or anesthesia depends on the severity of the condition and your own requirements.
Why Choose Northside Family Dental?
Northside Family Dental goes above and beyond to meet all your general dentistry needs with precision and care. Whether you’re coming in for a simple filling, a routine check-up, or you are looking to enhance your smile’s appearance, our team is here to help. We are proud to offer high-quality dental services in a welcoming, modern environment.
Final Thoughts!
Getting a filling is not scary or painful anymore due to modern dental tools and medicines like lidocaine. Dentists can easily numb your mouth so you don’t feel pain during the treatment. The option of a numbing gel before the shot is also available.
So, you should not be worried now. If you still have questions or feel nervous about what do dentists use to numb your mouth for fillings, your dentist can help you understand better.