I will also resist the urge to question the accuracy of the reports surrounding these events. Dentistry is committed to improving care and minimizing treatment risks. The real question is whether the risk is acceptable. American dentists safely treat tens of millions of patients every year. Most of these treatments include some pain control.
Dental anesthetics are safe when properly administered by a trained professional.
Local anesthetics, including topical anesthetics, are used to soothe mouth sores or numb an area prior to injecting a local anesthetic. Lidocaine is a common example of an injectable local anesthetic. Conscious sedation can be used to relax a patient without rendering them temporarily unconscious. General anesthetics are drugs that cause a temporary loss of consciousness. Most dental procedures can be performed while the patient is under local anesthetic.