Post-Operative Care Instructions After Local Anesthesia Injection

1. What to Expect After Treatment

• The injection site (lip, cheek, tongue, or gum) will feel numb for 2–4 hours, gradually returning to normal sensation.
• Mild side effects, such as headache, nausea, or fatigue, may occur once the anesthesia wears off.
• You may experience minor swelling, bruising, or aching gum around the injection site, typically resolving within a few days.

About the anesthetic you received

Your dentist numbed the area with a local anesthetic from Septodont. Depending on the procedure and your medical history, one of the following was used:

• 4% articaine with epinephrine 1:100,000
• 3% mepivacaine, plain — without epinephrine
• 2% mepivacaine with epinephrine 1:100,000

Why some of them contain epinephrine. Epinephrine narrows the small blood vessels around the injection site. This keeps the anesthetic where it is needed, so the numbness lasts longer and is more reliable, and it reduces bleeding during the procedure. It is the reason your lip or cheek may stay numb for a few hours after you leave.

If a doctor has told you to avoid epinephrine, or if you have reacted to a dental anesthetic before, please tell the clinic before your next appointment.

2. How to Take Care of Yourself After Treatment

• Wait until numbness fades (usually 2–4 hrs) before eating; start with soft, room-temperature foods.
• If you’re experiencing gum soreness or tenderness where you were injected:
  • Apply a cold compress to the cheek for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling.
  • Use over-the-counter pain relief (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen) as needed.
  • Keep the area clean with gentle salt-water rinses (½ tsp salt in 240 mL warm water), 3–4 times a day.
• For those prone to cheek or lip biting during numbness:
  • Gently massage the area with petroleum jelly or petroleum-based ointment to protect and soothe the tissues.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • If a bite leads to a raw area or ulcer, rinse with salt water after eating and apply topical oral gel or barrier ointment to aid healing.
• Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water to help flush out anesthesia and ease nausea.
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated to help minimize facial swelling.

3. What to Avoid After Treatment

• Do not bite, chew, scratch, or pick at any numb area until sensation returns.
• Avoid using straws, smoking, or consuming spicy/hot/hard foods while numb.
• Refrain from vigorous activities or anything that may injure the numbed tissues.
• If you’ve experienced cheek or lip injuries before, be extra cautious to prevent re-injury, and use lubricant or gel as directed.
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4. When to Contact the Clinic

• Numbness lasting more than 6 hours after the injection.
• Severe gum pain, swelling, or bruising that worsens after 2–3 days.
• Persistent oral burning or pins-and-needles sensation.
• Signs of allergic reaction: hives, facial swelling, difficulty breathing.
• Bleeding or clotting issues around injection sites—especially if bleeding lasts beyond 24 hours or is hard to control.
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5. How to Reach Us

If you have any concerns, questions, or complications following your treatment, please contact Kitcha Dental Clinic. Our staff will assess the urgency of your situation and prioritize appointments accordingly to ensure you receive timely care.

Contact Kitcha Dental Clinic:

• Phone (Thailand): 053-200201 or 091-797-7888

• Website: https://www.kitchadentalclinic.com/contact-us/

• LINE: nav.cx/5PmNyFR

• WhatsApp: https://wa.me/66917977888

• Facebook Messenger: https://m.me/kitchaclinic