Local Anesthetic

Depending on the treatment needed, your child may receive local anesthetic. This can make the lip, cheek and/or tongue numb, as well as the teeth. Children do not always understand the effects of local anesthesia and may suck or chew on their lip, cheek or tongue. This can cause swelling and/or laceration of the tissue. Rubbing, scratching and pinching of the numb area can also create swelling/laceration. This is not a serious condition but, in an attempt to prevent any of the above complications, we ask that you watch your child for at least two hours or until numbness ends.