In dentistry, Anesthesia is defined as a temporary loss of sensation of pain, and it is administered before a dental procedure, such as the treatment of a tooth cavity. Topical anesthetics are applied to mouth tissues with a swab to numb an area in preparation for administering an injectable local anesthetic. Topical anesthetics may also be used to soothe painful mouth sores. Injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area of your mouth by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain and numbing mouth tissues. Anti-anxiety agents, such as nitrous oxide, or sedatives may help you relax during dental visits and often may be used along with local anesthetics. Dentists also can use these agents to induce minimal or moderate sedation, in which the patient achieves a relaxed state during treatment, but can respond to speech or touch. The American Dental Association (ADA) provides guidelines to help Dentists administer pain controllers in the safest manner possible.

Note: The definitions on our web site are for reference purposes only and in no way represent any official dental advice. If you are experiencing any symptom defined by a term, you should seek the advice of your dental practitioner.

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