Many people feel anxious about visiting the dentist not because of the treatment itself, but because of the dental anesthesia injection. This fear is completely normal—especially if you are not familiar with dental anesthesia or have had a previous negative experience.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand everything about dental anesthesia — its types, effects, safe use, and precautions — so your next dental visit can be more comfortable and less stressful.
Types of Dental Anesthesia
Based on the active ingredient:
1. Lidocaine – The Most Commonly Used
This is the most widely used type in dental clinics. The effect begins within minutes and usually lasts 1 to 2 hours, and it is used for local anesthesia in procedures such as dental fillings or root canal treatments.
2. Mepivacaine – The Safe Option During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Preferred by dentists for pregnant and breastfeeding women due to its low adrenaline content, which reduces any potential negative effects on the fetus or infant.
3. Articaine – Stronger and Longer Lasting
Used in surgical procedures or deep dental anesthesia. It acts quickly and can penetrate bone, making it ideal for root canal treatments or gum surgeries.
Based on the anesthesia method:
1. Local Anesthesia (Gel or Spray):
Suitable for simple cases like teeth cleaning or superficial fillings, and is often the first step before injection.
Local anesthesia is used for minor procedures such as cavity fillings, which take less time and are generally less complex. You will remain awake and able to communicate, as only the area being treated will be numb and pain-free.
Most local anesthetics take effect within 10 minutes and last 30 to 60 minutes. Sometimes, a vasoconstrictor such as epinephrine is added to enhance the anesthetic’s duration and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body.
2. Injection Anesthesia (Traditional Method):
Used for most procedures like tooth extractions or root canal therapy. The anesthetic is injected slowly to minimize pain or discomfort.
3. General Anesthesia:
Used for longer or complex procedures, or for patients with high dental anxiety. You will be completely unconscious, won’t feel any pain, your muscles will relax, and you will experience temporary memory loss of the procedure.
It is administered through a face mask or intravenous line (IV). The level of anesthesia depends on both the procedure and the individual patient. However, general anesthesia carries higher risks than local anesthesia.
4. Computerized Anesthesia (Computer-Controlled Anesthetic Delivery):
One of the latest technologies in dental anesthesia. The amount and speed of anesthetic injection are controlled digitally to minimize discomfort.
Computerized Anesthesia
How Does It Work?
The device injects the anesthetic automatically and gradually under the dentist’s supervision. The dose is precisely controlled to avoid pain.
Advantages:
- Almost painless anesthesia
- Accurate dosage control
- Fewer side effects
- Ideal for patients afraid of needles
Best for:
- Children
- Elderly patients
- Those with dental phobia
Standard Steps of the Anesthesia Process
- Apply a topical gel to the injection site to reduce pain.
- Wait 2–3 minutes for the gel to take effect.
- Inject the anesthetic slowly using a fine needle or the computerized device.
- Wait 5–10 minutes for full anesthesia to take effect.
Tips Before and After Dental Anesthesia
Before the session:
- Inform your dentist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid caffeine or stimulants.
- Eat a light meal one hour before your appointment.
After the session:
- Do not eat or drink until the anesthesia wears off completely.
- Avoid biting your cheek or lips unintentionally.
- You may take a mild pain reliever if needed after the numbness subsides.
Side Effects and Complications of Dental Anesthesia
The side effects depend on the type of anesthesia used. General anesthesia carries more risks than local anesthesia, and individual reactions may vary.
Commonly Reported Side Effects:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Sweating or shivering
- Hallucinations, delirium, or confusion (with general anesthesia)
- Slurred speech
- Dry mouth or sore throat
- Pain at the injection site
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Numbness
- Trismus (temporary limited mouth opening due to surgical trauma)
- Vasoconstrictors such as epinephrine, if accidentally injected into a blood vessel, may cause heart or blood pressure complications.
- Temporary tingling or numbness, usually resolving within hours or days.
- Allergic reactions (rare) — rash or swelling; contact your dentist immediately if this occurs.
- Hematoma formation — may happen if the needle enters a blood vessel; it typically resolves on its own.
- Nerve injury (very rare) — prolonged numbness in the lips or tongue, usually temporary and resolves in weeks.
Risks of Dental Anesthesia
Most patients do not experience negative reactions to local anesthesia. However, sedation and general anesthesia carry higher risks — especially for elderly patients or those with chronic health conditions.
There is also increased risk for patients with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin.
If you are taking opioid painkillers, gabapentin, or anxiety medications like benzodiazepines, inform your dentist or surgeon so they can adjust your anesthesia dosage accordingly.
Precautions When Using Dental Anesthesia
Certain patients require special attention when selecting and administering dental anesthesia to ensure safety and effectiveness:
- Pregnant women
- Children
- Elderly patients with chronic illnesses
- Patients with heart, lung, liver, or kidney diseases
- Patients with neurological disorders
- Those with a history of stroke
- Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease patients
- Patients with thyroid disorders
- Individuals with hiatal hernia, acid reflux, oral ulcers, or allergies to anesthetics or medications such as opioids
Recovery from Dental Anesthesia
After the procedure, the patient is moved to the recovery room, where the anesthesiologist monitors heart rate and breathing.
Depending on the procedure, the patient may stay in the hospital for a few days or be discharged the same day. The anesthesiologist will assess pain levels and determine whether painkillers are needed once the anesthesia wears off.
If discharged, patients should have a companion and avoid driving for at least 24 hours. Those taking narcotic medications should refrain from driving until they stop taking these drugs.
Conclusion
Dental anesthesia is no longer something to fear — it’s an effective and safe method that makes dental treatment comfortable and pain-free.
With advancements in anesthesia techniques such as computerized anesthesia and nitrous oxide sedation, even patients with needle anxiety can now undergo dental treatment with ease and confidence.
If you experience dental anxiety or have had unpleasant experiences in the past, discuss your options with your dentist — whether local anesthesia or general (IV) anesthesia — to choose what’s most suitable for your case.
Be confident during your next dental visit and remember — patient comfort is one of the top priorities at Wonders Dentistry.
