Achieving a comfortable experience during dental treatments sometimes requires the use of local anesthesia injections to numb problem areas. As your trusted Gaithersburg and Kensington dental experts, the team at Alpine Dental & Denture Center understands these injections can cause anxiety for some.
We aim to thoroughly educate patients on the science behind dental freezing agents and proven techniques for overcoming needle fears.
Types of Dental Local Anesthetics
The two most commonly used are lidocaine (without epinephrine) for sensitivity and gingival/periapical anesthesia, and lidocaine with epinephrine for longer-lasting soft tissue numbness. Articaine offers fast onset and profound pulpal anesthesia making it ideal for deep injections. Lower epinephrine doses now minimize possible side effects like increased heart rate.
Cartridge syringes contain pre-filled sterile solutions with precisely measured doses to ensure safety. The needles are also very thin at 29-30 gauge to reduce tissue trauma. Some alternatives for medically compromised patients include topical gels, oral sedation, EMLA cream applied under a plastic retainer, or nitrous oxide gas.
Preparing for Injections
Our friendly staff welcomes open discussions to address concerns. Before treatment, dulling the injection site with topical anesthetic gels Orajel, Synthocaine, or Ambi can ease discomfort. Clove oil applied with cotton has anesthetic properties from eugenol. Guided breathing or playing relaxing music with headphones distracts focus.
At the Chair Side
Our Doctors are skilled at injections requiring minimal pressure or sticks. When numbness sets in it is very patient-specific but generally 2-4 minutes. Using 2% lidocaine with epinephrine provides profound pulpal anesthesia for routine exams and fillings. For difficult cases involving multiple injections, taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30 minutes prior can decrease inflammation response.
Post Care Tips
Ice applied for 10 minutes can further reduce injection site throbbing often described as superficial due to epinephrine. Over-the-counter pain relievers target any residual ache. Applying gentle pressure where numbness exists redirects sensation and helps re-ground anxiety.
No need to be alarmed by lingering transient bone numbness. Anxiety coping reduces the need for anesthetic interventions over time.
Our #1 priority remains your comfort! Contact us about treatment plans, options to alleviate your needle fears, and caring resolutions that bring relief and beautiful smiles. Taking the mystery out of dental injections together through knowledge, understanding, and patience eases appointment stressors.