If you’re undergoing a dental procedure such as a root canal, you might be concerned about possible pain. While it’s natural to experience discomfort as a result of the treatment, your endodontist will typically administer dental anesthesia to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. Here’s what you should know about it.

What You Need to Know About Dental Anesthesia

What kinds of anesthesia are used?

Local anesthesia is commonly used during dental procedures because it involves numbing the treated area exclusively. This means you won’t feel any pain while your endodontist performs the treatment. Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is used to quickly relax the patient, and is often used for those who feel nervous or during pediatric dentistry procedures. General anesthesia is the strongest form, designed to put the patient completely to sleep.  

How is the anesthetic administered?

If your provider deems local anesthetic the right choice for your procedure, they will simply inject the medication directly into the treatment area. Though some patients feel nervous prior to this injection, your provider will do everything possible to minimize discomfort. They may apply a numbing swab to the area so you don’t feel much more than a slight pinch. 

When is this anesthesia used?

Professionals typically opt to administer anesthesia when there’s a procedure lined up that is likely to cause the patient some level of discomfort or pain. It’s administered for everything from root canals to cavity fillings. However, it’s never given for simple things like general cleaning or teeth whitening. Anesthesia is strictly used to reduce pain and make treatment more manageable.

Are there any side effects?

Local anesthesia doesn’t have many side effects except for the temporary numbing effect. It will last for the duration of the procedure, but will wear away within a few hours. Rarely, some patients may experience mild itchiness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. It’s rarer but possible for some patients to develop nausea and dizziness.

If you need to see an endodontist in Rochester, NY, turn to Roc Pointe Endodontics, P.C. Proudly serving patients throughout Monroe County, they offer a variety of treatments for dental trauma, and are proud to provide treatments using state-of-the-art tools. Visit the website to learn more about how they can help you, or call (585) 424-1111 to schedule an appointment.