Local anesthesia

What is local anesthesia?

Anesthesia is the use of medicine to prevent the feeling or sensation of pain during painful procedures and surgery.

Local anesthesia uses a drug to numb only a specific part of the body, for example, a patch of skin. For minor procedures, local anesthesia is often used.

Risks of local anesthesia for your child

Local anesthesia is considered a low risk procedure. The risk may increase depending on your child’s condition, age and health.

In very rare cases, local anesthesia risks can include:

• an allergic reaction
• infection
• breathing problems
• changes in heart rhythm

How to prepare your child for the local anesthesia

Before any treatment, it is important to talk to your child about what will happen. When talking to your child, use words they can understand. Let your child know that medicines will be given to make them feel comfortable during the procedure.

Children feel less anxious and scared when they know what to expect. Children also feel less worried when they see their parents are calm and supportive.

How is local anesthesia given?

Depending on the size of the area to be numbed, local anesthesia can be given through a needle injection, ointment or spray. Your child may receive local anesthesia when they are awake, sedated or asleep under general anesthesia.

The type of local anesthesia your child receives will be specific to their needs. It will depend on various factors, including:

• your child’s age and weight
• the type of treatment your child will be having
• the area of the treatment
• any allergies your child may have
• your child’s medical conditions