Most fillings and many other treatments begin by numbing the tooth so your child stays comfortable. Our San Antonio pediatric dentists use local anesthesia every day, and and most children barely notice it.
How we numb your child’s tooth
When a child asks what’s going to happen, we tell them we’re going to put the tooth to sleep. First, we place a flavored numbing gel on the gum with a cotton swab. Once that area is numb, we deliver the local anesthetic slowly, which blocks any uncomfortable feeling in the tooth during treatment.
Our dental chairs are made for kids. The headrest naturally tips the chin up, so the instruments we pass back and forth stay out of your child’s line of sight. Many parents call it “Novocain,” but today we use a newer, more effective anesthetic.
How you can help before the visit
You don’t need to explain the numbing ahead of time. In fact, we ask parents not to bring it up. Our team describes each step in friendly, age-appropriate words, and children often finish their visit without realizing anything special happened.
If your child is especially nervous, numbing can be paired with Nitrous Oxide or, for bigger needs, Sedation Dentistry. Even then, we still numb the tooth, because those options help children relax but don’t block feeling in the tooth.
Caring for your child while the mouth is numb
The numb feeling usually lasts a couple of hours. Where your child feels it depends on the tooth we treated:
- Lower teeth: the teeth, tongue, and lower lip on that side may feel numb.
- Upper teeth: the teeth, nearby gums, and sometimes the upper lip may feel numb.
Children don’t always understand that strange, puffy feeling, and some will bite, chew, or scratch at their lip, tongue, or cheek. That can leave the area sore or swollen for a few days. These bites almost always heal on their own, but they’re easy to prevent:
- Watch your child closely for about two hours after the visit.
- Offer liquids and soft foods only until the numbness is gone.
- Remind your child not to bite or suck on their lip or cheek.
- Hold off on chewy snacks and gum.
If your child does bite their lip and you’re worried about how it looks, call us. A bitten area often looks white or yellow while it heals, which is normal.
Is local anesthesia safe for children?
Yes. Local anesthetics are used safely in pediatric dentistry every day. We base the amount on your child’s weight and the treatment needed.
How long will my child’s mouth stay numb?
Usually about two hours, though it varies with the tooth and the child. Lower teeth often stay numb a little longer than upper teeth.
Can my child go back to school after a filling?
Most children can. Just let the teacher know your child should avoid eating until the numbness wears off, and pack a soft snack for later.
Related: Fillings, Nitrous Oxide, Sedation Dentistry, General Anesthesia