Local Anesthesia for Children


Please use extra caution! Your child has received a local anesthetic, possibly for the first time.

In addition to blocking sensation from the teeth, the anesthetic “numbs” the lips, cheeks, and tongue in the area of treatment. This may be an uncomfortable sensation, but care must be taken so your child does not bite, suck, or chew on his/her lips, tongue or cheeks, otherwise a laceration (rawness) of the tissue may occur. While this is not serious, it is very uncomfortable.

Please watch your child very closely. Do not let your child take a nap and avoid eating until the anesthetic has “worn off”. This may take up to two and a half hours.

A cotton roll or “ghosty” may have been placed in your child’s mouth. This aids in the prevention of lacerated tissues. Please make sure that your child does not chew and just bites on the cotton roll or “ghosty”.