Pain after dental injection of anesthesia: Is it normal?

There are dental procedures that need the application of anesthesia to be performed. Whether it be through topical, injection, or inhalation forms, anesthesia is an integral part of performing several dental procedures that may cause pain or discomfort to patients. But what if the very step in removing pain out of the dental equation is the first one that causes the discomfort? There are some patients who complain of experiencing pain after dental injection of anesthesia. Is this situation normal? Read this article to be informed. And if you want to know more about different dental procedures and their cost, click here to stay updated. If you’re also looking for an experienced dentist, you can contact DW Dentist Kellyville today.

Pain after dental injection of anesthesia: The use of anesthesia

Minor and major medical procedures often use anesthesia to make the patient feel comfortable during an invasive procedure that would certainly cause pain. That is the same with dental procedures. Anesthesia is a drug that dentists turn to when they need to perform invasive procedures that would cause pain and anxiety to patients.

Topical anesthesia. They may administer it via a topical application for minor procedures like dental filling or adjustment of your dental braces. They can also use this in preparation for your gums for a local anesthesia injection.

Local anesthesia. An injection of local anesthesia is needed to perform several dental procedures that may cause tingling, pain, or discomfort to a patient, like tooth extractions, deep dental fillings, root canal treatment, and many more. The anesthesia temporarily blocks the nerve that sends impulses to the brain about the pain, so the patient may be free from any sensation during the procedure.

Inhaled anesthesia (nitrous oxide). Also called the laughing gas therapy, inhalation anesthesia is specifically used for severely anxious patients who would be stressed just by thinking of an upcoming procedure. Although nitrous oxide is not exactly a form of anesthesia, it mimics the effect of what anesthesia does to the body, while eliciting a ‘happy feeling’ to the patient.

Pain after dental injection of anesthesia: Is it normal?

The issue most patients are complaining about is when local anesthesia is being used before a dental procedure. Because it is an injection, many patients complain of how ironic it feels that the application of anesthesia is the one that causes the most pain. Dentists, being the educations professionals that they are, can explain this easily. All injections may feel a bit uncomfortable for a very short while, and that is common sense. That is why many dentists apply topical anesthesia before injecting anesthesia into the gums. This will make the tiny prick feel like a bit amount of pressure only. However, if the pain is still notable after a few weeks, then nerve damage may be the culprit.

Pain after dental injection of anesthesia: A sign of nerve damage?

Yes. If you feel that the pain in your treated area is getting worse or more evident as the days after the procedure goes by, nerve damage may be the cause. Nerve injury may happen if the anesthesia application hits a nerve. This can cause on and off or alternating numbness and sensitivity around the affected area. If you feel like these symptoms fit your condition, do not hesitate to consult your dentist and report any complaints or symptoms so he can find a way to solve them effectively once and for all.