Anesthesia

Anesthesia is a means of pain and anxiety management used in a broad range of health procedures, including dentistry. Dental anesthesia in Philadelphia encompasses a spectrum of treatments, each of which offers different benefits to the patient. There are several types of anesthesia, including:

• Local anesthetics – Small injections designed to numb the nerves in the gums and inside the teeth. Patients are awake and fully aware of their surroundings, but they feel little or no pain.
• Sedation – Sedation can be used in combination with local anesthetics to help calm patients before and during office treatments. Sedation may be in the form of a pre-visit anti-anxiety medication or nitrous oxide administered in the office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of anesthesia will I need for my Philadelphia dental procedure?

Dentists usually assess the type of anesthesia necessary based on the nature of the procedure and anxiety level of the patient. If you are visiting the dentist for a routine filling or a crown, you’ll probably only require a local anesthetic. If you experience moderate to severe anxiety prior to and during your dental appointment, you may be prescribed a sedative to take in combination with a local anesthetic.

What should I expect under anesthesia?

A local anesthetic will cause your mouth, teeth and gums to become numb for several hours. You may feel heat, cold or pressure, but you will not feel pain. A sedative, such as nitrous oxide, will cause you to feel groggy, relaxed or even euphoric, but these feelings wear off almost immediately at the end of your procedure when the dentist administers oxygen.