In order for you to be comfortable during dental procedures, it may be necessary for your dental professional to numb an area of your mouth with local anesthesia.
Lidocaine is the most common local anesthetic that dentistry uses. There are many others, all with names ending in "- caine." Many people think of Novocain as the classic numbing drug, but Novocain actually is not used anymore. Other drugs last longer and work better than Novocain. These drugs also are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
There are two kinds of numbing injections. A block injection numbs an entire region of your mouth, such as one side of your lower jaw. An infiltration injection numbs a smaller area. This is the area near where the injection was given.
If you need local anesthesia in order to have your dental treatment done, the tissue may be dried with air or a gauze. A topical gel may be used to numb the tissue prior to the injection.
Then, your dental professional will slowly inject the local anesthetic. You may feel a slight sting as the anesthetic moves into the tissue. An injection of local anesthesia can last up to a few hours.
After you leave our office, you may find it difficult to speak clearly, especially if your lower jaw was anesthetized. You may also want to wait until the anesthetic has worn off before eating or drinking. Be careful not to bite down or chew on the numbed area. You could hurt yourself without realizing it.
Local anesthetics are the most common drugs used in the dental office and side effects are very rare. Please contact the office if you have any of these symptoms following treatment:
If you have a hematoma: This will look like a bruise either on the inside of your mouth or on your face.
If the anesthetic travels out of the targeted area: If this happens, your eyelid or mouth can droop. You will recover when the anesthetic wears off.
If the vasoconstrictor in the anesthetic causes your heart to beat faster: This lasts only a minute or two. Tell your dental professional if this has ever happened to you.
Also contact the office if numbness of the anesthetized area lasts longer than a few hours.
It is rare to have an allergic reaction to a local anesthetic.
Be sure to tell your dental professional about all the medicines you take. This should include over-the-counter drugs and also any herbs or vitamins you take. Also, tell your dental professional about any reactions you have had with medicines, no matter how minor the reaction was. Some medications can interact with local anesthetics.
We want your dental treatment to be as comfortable as possible so that we can help you keep your beautiful smile.
Dr. Rehder and the entire staff are friendly and compassionate. They accommodate my needs as a patient and treat me as a personal friend. Professionally, they provide the utmost care and advice, the patient always comes first. I can’t say enough positive comments about this practice.
~Review by Eileen S.
Dr. Rehder is very professional, yet not too serious as he is doing your teeth. He makes it relaxing and is able to keep your mind away from his work (I have never liked going to the dentist, but Dr. Rehder makes the experience as close to pleasant as a dentist visit can be).
~Review by Mary Ellen M.
Thank you Dr. Rehder and Christine for the "always exciting" and "never a dull moment" orthodontist appointment. See you in two weeks to do it all over again. Ok maybe-not ALL over again.
~Review by Elena C.
I had a great experience with Dr. Rehder. He is very informative and professional. All of the staff were so nice and helpful. My overall experience was one of the best I had with a dental office. I would definitely recommend people to come here.
~Review by Paulina C.
Professional staff. Makes you feel at ease, would highly recommend.
~Review by Diane S.
Always wonderful visits at Pinefield Dental. I've been a patient since the very early 90s. The staff is my extended family & takes care of my teeth with the utmost professionalism. This is my dental home.
~Review by Kenneth C.
The doctor and staff were wonderful. My experience is always great. The staff is very caring and always professional. The hours are very convenient as well. They will be able to accommodate anyone's schedule.
~Review by Amanda C.
Richard F. Gittleson, DDS Reviews No one likes/enjoys going to the dentist, but our dentist (Dr. Gittleson) and his staff are so pleasant they help relieve a patient fears.
~Review by Patricia L.
Highly recommended, I’ve been a patient since 1983.
~Review by Charles G.
Excellent.
~Review by Dom J.
