What Local Anesthetics Do Dentists Use?

Your Easy Guide to Getting Numb, Staying Safe, and Beating Dental Worry

The Relatable Hook: “Why Did My Dentist Just Numb My Mouth? Is This Normal?”

You walk into the dentist’s office feeling a little nervous, maybe holding the arm of the chair a bit tight. Your dentist says, “We’ll just give you a bit of numbing so you’ll be comfortable.” You feel the pinch, your lip and cheek go tingly—before you know it, you can’t feel half your mouth.

Have you ever wondered what’s in that numbing shot, how long it lasts, why your heart might beat faster, or if it’s even safe for you? You’re definitely not the only one.

Many people have these worries. The good news? You’re finding out all about it now. Here’s a simple look at dental local anesthetics, so your next visit feels a lot less scary—and a whole lot easier.

In This Article

• What Is Local Anesthesia and Why Do Dentists Use It?
• The Main Local Anesthetics Dentists Use (the Good and Bad)
• How Dental Anesthetics Work: The Simple Science
• What Decides Which One Your Dentist Picks?
• The Step-by-Step Numbing Process: What Will Happen
• Possible Side Effects & Risks (and When to Call Your Dentist)
• Special Considerations (Kids, Pregnancy, Health Problems, Worry)
• New Comfort Options: Not Just the Old Injection Anymore
• Your Healthy Takeaway: Smart Steps for Your Next Visit

What Is Local Anesthesia and Why Do Dentists Use It?

Let’s keep it basic. Local anesthesia is a drug that stops you from feeling pain in a certain spot for a while. For dental visits, that usually means your teeth, gums, or the tissue nearby, so the dentist can work without hurting you.

Imagine your tooth has a wire straight to your brain, always sending messages. Local anesthesia just puts that wire on “silent” for a bit—you won’t feel pain, even if you may still feel pushing or movement.

Why use it? Comfort. With good local anesthesia:

• Cavities don’t hurt to fix.
• Teeth get pulled out without fuss.
• Deep work like root canals isn’t scary.

Knowing how numbing works makes a lot of people less nervous. Worry goes away when you know pain control is safe and works well.

The Main Local Anesthetics Dentists Use (the Good and Bad)

Not every numbing shot is the same. Dentists use a few main local anesthetics, each with its own pluses and minuses. Here’s a simple rundown:

1. Lidocaine (brand names: Xylocaine) – The Main One

• What is it? The most-used dental anesthetic everywhere.
• When do dentists use it? Most fillings, crowns, root canals, even some extractions.
• How fast? Usually gets you numb in 2–3 minutes.
• How long does it last? About 60–90 minutes if mixed with epinephrine (a medicine that makes it last longer), or 10–20 minutes without.
• Why is it popular? Very safe, super rare allergies, and used for a long time.

2. Articaine (brand names: Septocaine, others) – The Strong One

• What sets it apart? Gets through the bone really well, so it’s great for numbing tough teeth in the lower jaw or for extractions.
• Fast and lasting? Works in 1–2 minutes. Lasts 60–75 minutes.
• Extra info: Has epinephrine (often 1:100,000 or 1:200,000) which sometimes makes your heart race for a few seconds (normal, especially if any gets in a blood vessel).
• Things to know: There’s a tiny chance of numbness that hangs around (called paresthesia), usually in the tongue. Still, really rare.

3. Mepivacaine (brand names: Carbocaine, Polocaine) – The Gentle Numb

• When is it used? Good for people sensitive to epinephrine or those with some heart/thyroid problems.
• How long does it last? 45–60 minutes with epinephrine, or 20–40 minutes without.
• Best for: Short treatments, fast fillings, or people who need something mild.
• Quick tip: Works just fine even without epinephrine, so it’s helpful for certain people.

4. Bupivacaine (brand name: Marcaine) – The Long-Lasting One

• Who needs it? People having very long treatments, like big oral surgeries or implants.
• Onset: Takes about 6–10 minutes to feel totally numb.
• How long? 2 to 4 hours (sometimes more), so the numb feeling stays even after you get home.
• Why choose it? Good if you don’t want pain to come back too soon.

5. Procaine (brand name: Novocaine) – Not Used Much Now

• What’s the story? The old “Novocaine” shot from way back.
• Why is it rare now? Doesn’t last long, higher risk of allergy (because it’s made from a different group—esters).
• Today: Hardly used. Lidocaine and others are usually better and safer.

Comparing Common Dental Anesthetics

Sources: American Dental Association (ADA), Journal of the American Dental Association, European Journal of Oral Sciences

How Dental Anesthetics Work: The Simple Science

Here’s how it really works (no tricks):

• Your tooth and gums have nerves—they deliver pain messages to your brain.
• When your dentist injects the anesthetic, it fills up those nerves and covers up tiny “sodium channels.” It’s like taping up a mailbox so no mail gets through.
• Result: No pain signals go to your brain. You feel numb—sometimes it feels like your mouth is twice as big, but pain? You won’t feel it.
• Almost always, the numbness is just in the spot being treated.

What About Epinephrine?

Epinephrine (also called adrenaline) is often mixed in with the numbing drug. Why?

• It tightens up nearby blood vessels (vasoconstriction) so the numbing medicine stays in place longer.
• It helps keep bleeding down, making dental work neater.
• Downside: Sometimes your heart feels like it’s speeding up, especially if the dentist hits a blood vessel with the shot. This is almost always harmless and goes away fast.

Was That a Flutter in My Chest?

1 in 10 people or so notice their heart is racing after a shot with epinephrine. Taking a few long, slow breaths usually helps calm it down.

What Decides Which One Your Dentist Picks?

Mouths aren’t all the same, and the right anesthetic isn’t random. Here’s what your dentist considers:

• Type and Length of Treatment: Is it just a cleaning, a small filling, or a complicated tooth pull? Some jobs need more or stronger numbness.
• Your Health: Heart trouble, high blood pressure, diabetes, or any drug irritation/allergy changes what the dentist should pick.
• Your Age, Weight, Size: Kids need smaller doses; sometimes a different drug. [Pediatric dental] choices are made carefully.
• Which Tooth/Area: Lower jaw back teeth have thick bone; some drugs like articaine work better there.
• Infection or Swelling: Swollen, sore gums make some anesthetics not work as well; sometimes you need more or a different one.
• Other Medicine You Take: Some drugs you take (antidepressants, beta-blockers, blood thinners, etc.) might mean changes in the plan.

Always tell your dentist everything you take, even vitamins or herbal stuff.

The Step-by-Step Numbing Process: What Will Happen

If needles make you nervous, you’re not alone! Here’s what happens, step by step:

1. Topical Numbing Gel First

Your dentist will rub a numbing gel on your gum before giving the shot. This helps with the sting and makes things easier.

2. The Shot

This part just takes seconds. You might feel a pinch, some pressure, or a quick sting. Most people say it’s not really painful. Many offices use special gadgets like The Wand to help make it as comfortable as possible.

3. Numb Kicks In

You’ll usually feel numb after 1–5 minutes (a bit longer for bupivacaine). You may notice your lip or cheek feels puffy or funny. Little tingles are normal as numbing sets in.

4. During the Dentist’s Work

You can feel pressure and movement, but pain should be blocked. If you feel sharp pain, tell the dentist—a little extra medicine will help.

5. When the Numb Goes Away

Numbness might last 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the drug. As you get feeling back, you might feel pins-and-needles or tingles.

Don’t bite your lips, tongue, or cheek while still numb, and watch out with hot drinks or food.

6. What to Do After

• Wait for numbness to go away before eating or drinking hot stuff.
• Don’t chew your cheek or tongue—kids need a reminder!
• You might drool or talk funny a bit—don’t worry, it goes away soon.

Possible Side Effects & Risks (and When to Call Your Dentist)

Most people have only mild, quick side effects. Still, knowing what could happen is good.

Common and Mild:

• Numb lips, tongue, or cheeks
• Mild swelling or bruising where you were numbed
• Temporary tingling as feeling returns

Less Common:

• Heart might race fast or skip (mostly from epinephrine, gone within minutes)
• Light burning feeling when medicine goes in
• Little bit of nerve burning (goes away soon)

Rare but Serious:

• Allergic Reaction: Big swelling, rash, trouble breathing (very rare with today’s drugs, but get help right away if this happens)
• Long-Lasting Numbness (Paresthesia): Tingling or numb that sticks around for weeks or longer. Super rare (about 1 in 200,000 shots with some drugs). Tell your dentist if you’re still numb after a few hours.
• Systemic Anesthetic Toxicity: Very rare, but if you feel confused, dizzy, have ringing in your ears, or even have a seizure, get help at once. Dentists use careful doses to avoid this.

Call your dentist if:

• Swelling gets worse after you leave
• You get a fever, chills, or can’t swallow or breathe easily
• Your numbness or tingling is still there after 3–4 hours
• You get a rash, hives, or face/mouth swelling

Note: Most people who think they’re “allergic” to dental numbing are really just having a fainting spell (vasovagal syncope) or a slight reaction to epinephrine, not a true drug allergy.

Special Considerations

“Is Dental Anesthesia Safe for Me (and My Family)?”

If you’re a parent, expecting a baby, have special health issues, or are just nervous, these things matter!

Children

• Dose depends on the child’s weight.
• Some dentists use lighter anesthetics or special systems like “The Wand” for kids.
• Remind your child not to chew lip or tongue after numbing.

Pregnant or Breastfeeding Patients

• Lidocaine is the safest choice (FDA says Pregnancy Category B).
• Standard epinephrine levels are safe, but always tell your dentist if you’re pregnant and how far along you are.
• Breastfeeding? Lidocaine leaves your system quickly and is fine, but double check with both your dentist and OB-GYN.

Health Problems

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid issues may mean little to no epinephrine.
• If you have drug sensitivity in your past, tell your dentist.
• Always list all medicine, vitamins, and supplements you use.

Dental Worry

If you’re scared of pain or needles, talk to your dentist. Many offices have:

• Numbing gel before the shot
• Gentle shot methods, slow and careful
• Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) if you want extra calm
• “The Wand” or special delivery tools for almost pain-free numbing
• Short breaks and support

Your comfort matters most! Read more tips for anxious dental patients in this helpful practical guide.

New Comfort Options: Not Just the Old Injection Anymore

Dentistry is much improved from the big metal syringes of the past. Here are some newer ways to stay comfy and nearly pain-free at the dentist:

1. Topical Numbing Gel

A gel (minty or fruity) rubbed on your gum before the shot can help it not hurt. Fast and useful for little jobs, also good for people who really hate needles.

2. Computer-Controlled Shots: “The Wand”

This is like power steering for numbing. A computer decides how much and how fast the medicine goes into you. Result? Shot is smoother, less sting and less burning.

3. Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)

Great for nervous patients. Along with the local numbing, it makes you feel calm, light, and relaxed (maybe a little silly!). You recover in minutes, can usually drive yourself home.

4. New Dental Technology

Many offices—especially those using a digital dental lab or [3D dental lab]—have new syringes and better methods that make things easier.

Your Options Explained: What You Can Do & When to See a Dentist

Most numbing is handled at the dental office—but you can help yourself, too:

• Eat a light meal before you go—don’t come in hungry.
• Follow post-treatment advice: don’t eat or drink until the numbness is gone.
• If your face swells, use a cold pack for 10–15 minutes at a time.
• Stay gentle with brushing and flossing the first day; don’t rinse hard.
• Watch for signs of long-lasting numb or allergy and call your dentist if they come up.
• Feeling nervous? Bring music or an audiobook for distraction; some clinics have TVs for you to watch.

If you get scared before the dentist visit, try to see a dentist who uses the latest options or works closely with a china dental lab—this usually means they care about making you comfortable and using new stuff.

Who Is This For? (The Good Candidate Section)

Who needs dental numbing? Almost everyone!

• Adults and teens who need fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, or deep cleanings
• Children getting cavities filled or small repairs (with special child doses)
• Patients who are nervous and want pain-free work
• Seniors who may need longer, gentler care

Who might need something different?

• People with rare anesthetic allergies (dentists can test and use something else)
• People taking certain heart or thyroid drugs
• Some with big liver or kidney problems (because it’s harder for their bodies to get rid of the numbing drug)

For people who need it—like those having jaw surgery or who are super anxious—general anesthesia or extra sedation might be better. Your dentist will always do what fits you best.

Your Healthy Takeaway: Smart Steps for Your Next Dental Visit

Quick recap—here are the simple truths about dental numbing:

• Local anesthesia is easy, safe, and makes dental work painless.
• Lidocaine and articaine are the most-used and safest.
• Epinephrine is put in to help it last and stop bleeding—a fast heartbeat for a bit is normal.
• Dentists pick the right type based on your treatment, health, and comfort.
• Most side effects are mild and short. Real problems are rare, but always tell your dentist about your health and medicine history.
• Kids, pregnant people, and those with health issues can be numbed safely—with some extra care.
• New ways and tools have made numbing more comfortable than ever.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or talk about your worries—before, during, or after your visit.
• Do what your dentist says after your appointment—and wait for the puffy, funny feeling to fade.

You deserve dental visits that feel safe and easy—where comfort is #1 and fear gets left out.

Final Empowering Call-to-Action

Still have questions or special health needs? Don’t hesitate to talk with your dental team. Honest talks are the key to worry-free, pain-free dental visits. Want to know about how technology is making dental work easier and more relaxed? Take a look at china dental lab and other cool dental labs to see the tools behind today’s gentle dental work.

Your smile—and feeling calm—matter. Take the next step; you’ve got more control over your care than you think.

Checked by licensed dental pros. Sources: ADA, Journal of the American Dental Association, European Journal of Oral Sciences, Journal of Endodontics, Allergy Asthma Clinical Immunology, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

This article is for general learning only and doesn’t replace care from your dentist. Always ask your dentist what’s right for you.