Methods for providing post-operative pain control or relief, without a medically significant degree of numbness, to a patient are disclosed. Methods include, for example, administering bicarbonate to an area of a patient during a surgical or dental procedure, near completion of a surgical or dental procedure or immediately following a surgical or dental procedure, in an area previously administered or containing a regional or local anesthetic, in an amount sufficient to provide the patient with pain control or relief, without a medically significant degree of numbness, for a period of time after the surgical or dental procedure.
