Even when going to the dentist for a filling, you may feel a bit scared, considering the needle and the weird numb feeling you will have in your mouth. However, the truth of the matter is that dentists use some very safe and gentle tools that allow you to feel as comfortable as possible during the process. One of the most common things they use is a numbing medicine that makes the area feel like it’s asleep.
It allows you to avoid pain while they work on your tooth. This blog post outlines what dentists use to numb your mouth for fillings, how it works, and what you will expect before, during, and after the procedure. So, if you have ever been curious or nervous, our blog post is just for you.
What Is Numbing Medicine and Why Is It Used?
A dentist wants you not to feel pain before working on a cavity. This is done with a technique called local anesthesia. It is a special medicine that numbs only a small part of your body, such as your gums or cheek and keeps you awake and alert without feeling any pain in that particular spot.
Local anesthesia blocks the pain signals to your brain by blocking the nerves in your mouth. As such, you do not feel anything when your dentist is cleaning out the cavity and putting in the tooth other than perhaps a bit of pressure or movement. That is why dental care includes that.
What Do Dentists Use to Numb Your Mouth?
Lidocaine is the most common of medicines dentists use to numb your mouth. However, this is a safe type of local anesthetic that has been used for many years. Other anesthetics, like articaine, mepivacaine, or bupivacaine, are an alternative to lidocaine, but it is the most common of them due to the fact that it works fast and goes in a few hours.
Your dentist may apply a numbing gel on your gums before using lidocaine. The first part of this gel is a little sweet or fruity, and it reduces the pain of the next step, the needleless. A minute or two after the gel has sat, the dentist will inject the anesthetic around your tooth using a small needle. It may sound scary, but most people can barely feel the shot since it is the gel.
How Long Does the Numbness Last?
After the injection, the numbness usually begins to set in after 2 to 5 minutes. Depending on what anesthetic you use and the amount in use, it can take between 1 to 3 hours to wear off. On that side of your mouth, you may have felt a numbing shot at the dentist, and your lips, tongue, and cheek feel puffy or heavy, almost as if your lip is asleep. It may even be difficult to speak clearly or to drink from a straw.
There’s nothing to worry about; this is normal. It is a relief; the numb feeling goes away on its own, little by little. The best advice is not to eat or chew anything if you can’t feel it in your mouth before you bite your tongue or cheek.
Is It Safe?
Yes, it’s very safe. Dentists are trained to make them know, “What do dentists use to numb your gums or mouth? They give you the right amount of numbing medicine. Plus, they always check your medical history to make sure that you don’t have any allergies or health conditions that could make your body respond differently to the medicine.
In almost all cases, you will feel only a tiny pinch and numbness that fade away over time. After the injection, some people may feel a little shaky or have a racing heart. This can occur because the anesthetic may include epinephrine, which makes the medicine stick around longer. Of course, it’s usually harmless and does not last long.
What Happens After the Numbing Wears Off?
Once the numbness goes away, your mouth will feel normal. If the dentist works for a long time or has to put a dental dam to hold your mouth open, you may notice a little soreness in your jaw or gums. You will also usually be a bit confused about your bite, especially if your tongue is thick or your cheek is puffy, right after the procedure. It will all be back to normal in a couple of hours.
However, if you feel any sharp pain after the numbness wears off, it’s best to call your dentist. There should be no pain after a simple filling.
Are There Any Side Effects?
It is not enough to know about “What do dentists use to numb?” You should also focus on their side effects. They are rare but can happen. Some people may feel;
- Slight swelling or bruising at the injection site
- A tingly or itchy feeling as the numbness fades
- A mild headache or dizziness
- Trouble blinking if the anesthetic was near the upper jaw (this is temporary and not harmful)
Again, these side effects do not happen to everyone and usually go away quickly.
Why Choose Gentle Teeth?
Choosing Gentle Teeth focuses on a comfortable and pain-free dental experience. We prioritize patient comfort, reduce anxiety, and offer personalized care for both children and adults. You can expect a relaxing and stress-free environment, with a team trained to ensure a positive experience. We make it suitable for those with dental anxieties or sensitivities.
Final Thoughts!
Nothing about getting a filling should be scary. What do dentists use to numb your mouth for fillings? They make sure you feel comfortable all the time because your dentist wants to be in charge of your dental work, not pain. They get you numbed from the moment they put the numbing gel on until the feeling vanishes a few hours later, and they want to do that painlessly and stresslessly.
The next time you hear the word “filling,” you won’t need to panic. Today, modern dentistry means it barely hurts and is almost as simple as it gets. You have nothing to worry about, but please just sit back, relax, and let your dentist take care of it.
