Updated July 29, 2025.
When you visit your dentist for a procedure or emergency care, injections are often part of the experience. They’re not just for numbing pain, but also for treating dental inflammation. At Harlow Dental, we use advanced injection techniques in Charlotte, NC, to ensure patient comfort while targeting the source of swelling, infection, or discomfort directly.
Why Are Injections Used for Inflammation?
In some cases, inflammation can be treated effectively with localized injections that deliver anti-inflammatory medications directly to the affected area. These may be corticosteroids or anesthetics like lidocaine, which also help reduce pain by blocking nerve signals. For patients experiencing acute gum inflammation, facial swelling, or infections near the tooth root, these injections can provide fast, targeted relief.
This is different from general local anesthesia. While standard numbing injections block pain during a procedure, inflammation-specific injections are often used before or after treatment to help the tissue heal and calm down.
Common Types of Dental Injections
Dental injections generally fall into one of two categories: infiltration or nerve block. Infiltration injections are used for more localized issues, numbing a small area like one tooth or a section of the gum. They’re commonly used when treating cavities or mild inflammation near the gumline. However, for more severe or widespread issues, like inflammation along an entire side of the jaw, nerve block injections are used to numb larger areas. These are often required for root canals or deep cleanings in cases of periodontal disease.
Before any injection, your dentist may apply a topical numbing gel to the gums to make the injection as painless as possible. This is especially appreciated by patients with dental anxiety.
What to Expect and How Long It Lasts
Injections for inflammation or pain relief typically begin working within minutes. Numbness from lidocaine-based injections generally wears off within 2–4 hours, depending on the medication used and your body’s response. Anti-inflammatory injections may provide relief that lasts for several days.
After your injection, avoid eating until full sensation returns. This helps you avoid accidentally biting your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
What If I Still Feel Discomfort?
At Harlow Dental, your comfort is our priority. If numbing injections alone aren’t enough, we may offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation to ease your anxiety or help you stay relaxed during complex procedures. Nitrous oxide takes effect quickly, wears off within minutes, and lets you drive yourself home. Oral sedation provides a deeper level of relaxation and is ideal for longer or more involved treatments.
Gentle Relief with Injections for Dental Inflammation in Charlotte, NC
Whether you’re facing tooth pain, gum inflammation, or an urgent dental procedure, fast-acting injections for dental inflammation may be the key. Schedule your visit with Dr. Justin Harlow and the excellent Harlow Dental team today and experience expert care in a safe, calming, patient-first environment.