For which dental treatments might local anesthetic be needed?
Not all treatments require local anesthetic. It may be needed for treatments that could otherwise be uncomfortable. Its purpose is to prevent pain during the procedure and make the experience more comfortable for your child. Before the treatment starts, it will be assessed whether local anesthetic is necessary.
Can my child eat and drink normally after local anesthetic?
After local anesthetic, the area around the teeth, lips, or cheeks may feel numb for a while. Because of this, children may not notice if they bite their lip or cheek. It is therefore best to wait until the feeling has fully returned before eating.
Why does local anesthetic affect each child differently?
The effect of local anesthetic can vary from child to child depending on factors such as anxiety, inflammation, or the location of the treatment. The type of procedure can also influence how quickly the anesthetic works and how long it lasts. That is why the dentist always considers what will be most comfortable for each child.
Is local anesthetic always used during dental treatment?
No, not every treatment requires local anesthetic. Preventive treatments such as fissure sealing or a routine check-up usually do not need it. The dentist will always first assess whether the treatment can be carried out comfortably without anesthetic.