Everything You Need to Know About Dental Anaesthetic

Did the rumour that people with COVID-19 vaccines shouldn’t go under anaesthesia cause you to push back a dental procedure?

Since it’s been debunked, you still might have some lingering questions about dental anaesthetic.

There are a few different types of dental anaesthesia every patient should know about.

Here’s everything you need to know about dental anaesthetic.

Local Anesthesias

Your dentist might use local anesthesias to fill a cavity, perform a root canal, or insert stitches. Local anesthesias comes in many forms and can be applied in a handful of different ways. The way your dentist chooses will be based on the type of work being done. 

For example, if you’re getting a filling or root canal, local anesthesias will likely be administered by injecting an anaesthetic into your gums with a needle. It’s not the most pleasant sensation but can be made more  acceptable by having some numbing gel placed in the area before the needle is used. 

The most common side effect is numbness and swelling that lasts for a few hours after the procedure. It may impair your ability to drink and eat normally. But, other than that, you’re usually good to continue with your regular life after that. 

Sedation

Sedation is the “middle place” between local and general anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia doesn’t affect your neurochemistry, it simply numbs a physiological area of your body. But, during general anesthesias, you’re completely “knocked out.” 

When you are sedated you’re not completely asleep, but you’re not completely aware of what’s happening either. When you’re sedated you can communicate if you’re asked a question, but you might not remember answering it.

Nitrous oxide is a common sedative, but there are many more medical elixirs used in dental anesthesias. You may be given a pill or injected with a liquid chemical. 

General Anesthesias

General anesthesias is what most people think of when they hear “anaesthesia.” The patient is sleeping with no memory or feeling of the procedure. This is reserved for serious, long surgeries. 

General anesthesias, although it’s common practice, is still dangerous. Some people have preexisting health conditions that can make it riskier. It’s also not cheap, so medical professionals try to use it as needed. 

Side Effects of Dental Anesthesias

Anesthesias provided by a trained, certified dental professional is safe for most people. Other than the unpleasantry of a swollen face and slurred speech for a few hours after surgery, there aren’t any notable side effects for local anesthesias. 

Sedation and general anesthesias is where you’ll find more risk factors. First, you’ll want to verify that you don’t have any allergies to the chosen sedation or anesthesias chemicals. 

Next, anyone with neurological disorders or is taking medication that targets neurochemistry should also disclose any conditions or medications to their dentist. Those with a history of cardiac and bleeding disorders need to also disclose as much information as possible to their dentist. 

For people with preexisting conditions, whose anesthesias amounts are not altered to fit their condition, the side effects can be as serious as coma, stroke and heart failure. 

Should You Get Dental Anaesthetic?

As long as you’re not cutting any corners when it comes to dental care, if your dentist is suggesting some form of anesthesias for you, it’s likely a safe option. But, getting a second opinion doesn’t hurt. We’re here to help answer any questions about dental anaesthetic you might have. 

Call or email us, let’s connect!