Patients at our dental clinic can now sit in the dental chair without fear. During dental procedures, we use anesthesia tailored to individual needs. This minimizes pain and discomfort, which is especially important when treating children and adolescents.
The main purpose of dental anesthesia is to temporarily block sodium channels in nerve cells. As a result, pain signals are not transmitted to the brain during the procedure. If the anesthesia wears off before the treatment is completed, the dentist will administer an additional dose, either by injection or another appropriate method.
In dentistry, two types of anesthesia are used: local and general anesthesia.
Local anesthesia can be divided into:
Infiltration anesthesia – an injection into the gum in the area of the tooth being treated. Most commonly used for procedures involving upper or lower incisors.
Topical anesthesia – a gel or spray applied by the specialist to the treatment area. Often used in children before administering injectable anesthesia.
Conduction (nerve block) anesthesia – an injection of the anesthetic near the dental nerve. Less comfortable, but very effective for longer procedures.
Intraligamental anesthesia – administered into the periodontal ligament. Commonly used in pediatric dentistry.
General anesthesia (also known as sedation or narcosis) is used for complex surgical procedures.
Some dental procedures do not require anesthesia, but we can administer it to increase patient comfort. We may use computer-assisted anesthesia or inhalation sedation (laughing gas). The latter option is recommended for longer, more invasive procedures within the oral cavity, for patients who have allergic reactions to anesthetic agents, as well as for those who feel anxious about dental treatment.
After the anesthetic is administered, a mild tingling or numbness may be felt. The duration of anesthesia depends on its type and the patient’s individual characteristics. Once the optimal dose is given, the patient does not feel pain, while remaining conscious (unless general anesthesia is used).
Dental anesthesia increases patient comfort during procedures such as tooth extraction, root canal treatment, or implant placement. It can also be used when placing a filling. We provide an individualized approach and the support of an experienced medical team.
