Anaesthesia – freedom from pain is our priority
We believe good anaesthesia is not something to be taken for granted – it's the heart of any comfortable treatment. That's why we take the time full effect requires. We only start once you genuinely feel nothing.
With state-of-the-art local anaesthetics, fine needles and a gentle injection technique, we make sure that even the anaesthesia itself is as comfortable as possible. Our goal is complete freedom from pain – for every procedure, for every patient.
- State-of-the-art local anaesthetics for maximum depth of effect
- Gentle, slow injection technique
- Fine-needle syringe – minimal sensation on insertion
- We wait until the anaesthetic has fully taken effect
- Topping up is always available if needed
- Topical anaesthesia available before the injection
How local anaesthesia works
The anaesthetic temporarily blocks the transmission of pain signals along the nerve pathway. The nerve isn't switched off – it just can't pass the information on any more, so the brain receives no pain signal. That's why you still feel pressure, touch and vibration, but no pain. This is exactly what confuses many people: when they feel pressure, they think the anaesthetic isn't working.
How quickly and how strongly it takes effect depends on the location. In the upper jaw the bone is more porous, so the anaesthetic reaches the tooth directly and works quickly. In the lower jaw a larger nerve trunk usually has to be anaesthetised – that's why the tongue or lip often go numb too, and it takes a little longer for everything to take full effect.
It doesn't always work on the first attempt. Acute inflammation can weaken the effect, and the position of nerves varies from person to person. Needing a top-up is completely normal and not a sign that something has gone wrong. Just let us know – we check before starting treatment anyway that everything really is numb.
So the injection is barely noticeable
Topical anaesthesia first
A gel numbs the mucous membrane at the injection site before the needle is even used. That usually means the prick itself is barely felt.
Injecting slowly
Much of the unpleasant sensation doesn't come from the needle but from fluid flowing in too quickly. We deliberately take our time.
Really waiting it out
Treatment only begins once the anaesthetic has fully taken effect. We check first – better to wait a few minutes longer than start too early.
Topping up without question
If you do feel something, we top it up. You don't have to endure anything or justify it – a hand signal is enough.
After treatment
Numbness usually lasts two to four hours depending on the agent and location, often longer in the lower jaw than the upper jaw. During that time you should hold off on eating: the cheek, lip or tongue can be accidentally injured without you noticing – this is a particular issue with children, since the numb feeling tempts them to chew on it.
You should also be careful with hot drinks while the anaesthetic is still working. When feeling returns it can briefly tingle – that's normal. If numbness lasts unusually long, though, please get in touch with us.