Discuss injection techniques that can be used to diminish pain.- Distractive measures: These may include pinching or rubbing of the skin at the proposed needle entry site.
- Small-diameter, long needles: Half-inch, 30-gauge needles are a good choice for smaller areas. For larger areas, 1-inch, 30-gauge needles are best. Insert the needle through an accentuated skin pore, if present (e.g., the face).
- Insert the needle quickly with the bevel pointing upward; a slow insertion leads to greater discomfort. Inject a small aliquot of anesthetic, wait a minute, and then advance the needle slowly, before depositing further anesthetic. When anesthetizing large areas, needle reinsertion sites should be in skin that has already been anesthetized.
- Limit the volume of anesthetic and inject it very slowly. Rapid tissue distention is painful.
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