Local Anesthetic (Numbing)

Local anesthetics are needed to eliminate or minimize any pain associated with dental treatment. This may cause prolonged numbness of the face, cheek, lips, chip, tongue and taste buds of the tongue. These areas can also experience altered feelings such as itching, tingling or burning. In some cases, the numbness, loss of taste, and altered feeling may be permanent and require special surgical procedures in an attempt to reverse the condition (on rare occasions). For some children, the temporary sensation of “numbness” may be fascinating and may suck, bite, pull or chew the area. We strongly caution you to observe your child during this time and prevent them from harming themselves.