Sometimes, a trip to the dentist's office requires a treatment that will call for anesthetic. Understandably, having a numb mouth or even being asleep for a short time can make some people pretty nervous! Most of the time, however, if you understand what is happening, your fears can be reduced or eliminated all together. Below are some of the different anesthetics that dentists use for various procedures.

Before any treatment using anesthetics is used, there are four things you should keep in mind:

Any dentist or orthodontist using anesthetics should have proper emergency equipment and drugs available in case the patient has an allergic reaction. You may not even know you have an allergy to a particular medication, so it's important that the doctor is ready for rapid, informed intervention if necessary.

You should not be given anesthetics if you are in the first three months of pregnancy. Some anesthetics are not approved for use at any time during pregnancy. Others are not even recommended for children under the age of 12.

Be sure to ask before any medication is given.

All anesthetics should be used in the lowest required dose that will provide adequate anesthesia.

No anesthetic is without risk. Patients who have anesthetic allergies or are seriously ill should talk with the dentist or orthodontist before undergoing treatment that will require anesthetics.

There are many anesthetics used today for oral surgery or treatment. Xylocaine and carbocaine are two used frequently. The "numbing" occurs by slowing or stopping the blood from circulating in the treated area. It not only deadens the feeling, but it also lessens the bleeding. Marcaine is another anesthetic. It takes longer to work (two to 10 minutes), but lasts much longer than xylocaine. Citanest is also used by dentists and orthodontists. It is used sometimes for children; this anesthetic takes just a few minutes to work, and lasts about a hour. Doctors like this choice for children because children can have trouble remembering not to bite their lips and gums when they are numb.

Disclaimer:

The information in this newsletter is only for the purpose of providing you with information regarding your orthodontic care and treatment. It is not intended to offer any medical or dental advice. Please contact your own dentist or orthodontist for treatment, appliances, or instructions that are right for you.