Preoperative Considerations
Armamentarium:
- Syringe
- Dental syringe: Specifically designed for delivering local anesthetics in dental procedures.
- Needles
- Long dental needles: Typically 25 to 27 gauge, used for deeper penetrations to reach the nerve.
- Local Anesthetics
- Lidocaine (2% with 1:100,000 epinephrine): Standard choice, offering a balance between duration and onset, with a medium duration of anesthesia.
- Articaine (4% with 1:100,000 epinephrine): Known for better bone penetration, used commonly in the US and Europe for dental blocks.
- Mepivacaine (2% or 3%, available with or without epinephrine): Offers a faster onset and is useful for shorter procedures; less vasodilation compared to lidocaine.
- Bupivacaine (0.5% with 1:200,000 epinephrine): Long-lasting anesthetic, suitable for procedures requiring extended pain control.
- Prilocaine (4% with 1:200,000 epinephrine): Less potent and toxic, suitable for patients where methemoglobinemia isn't a concern.
- Topical Anesthetic
- Benzocaine gel or Lidocaine gel: To numb the surface before injection and reduce patient discomfort.
- Protective Equipment
- Sterile disposable gloves: For hygiene and protection.
- Eye protection: To safeguard against possible splashes or contact during the procedure.
- Other Supplies
- Cotton swabs: For applying topical anesthetics.
- Gauze pads: To assist in drying the injection area before topical application and managing any minor bleeding post-injection.
- Sharps container: For the disposal of needles and other sharp instruments safely.
- Recapping device: Helps in safely recapping needles, reducing the risk of needle-stick injuries.
- Dental mirror: To aid in visualizing the mouth and ensuring accurate needle placement.
Postoperative Considerations
Immediate:
- Patient Instructions:
- Advise the patient that their gums will be numb .
- Inform them about the duration of the anesthesia and any post-procedure care needed.
- Aftercare
- Monitor the patient briefly to ensure there are no adverse reactions
- Provide post-operative instructions, particularly if further dental procedures are performed that might cause pain after the anesthetic wears off.
Forms