Do you know anything about having an injection at the dentist?

Question

I had a filling at the dentist today and the dentist numbed my tooth with an injection of some sort of anaesthetic i guess. Is it possible that there could be side effects of this as I have had some stomach problems, nausea etc since the anaesthetic has worn off. Is there perhaps anyone who is a dentist and knows this, or has experience similar problems?

Answer 1

The most common local anaesthetic used is lidocaine, usually supplemented with adrenaline. "Novocaine" (procaine) is not used nowadays, but it's become a generic name used by laypeople to mean local anaesthetic.
If you are going to have any reaction to the LA or other ingredients, it will almost certainly happen within 20-30 minutes after the injection as it reaches a peak in your bloodstream.
It is broken down in the liver, and has an elimination half-life of 90 minutes. i.e. after 90 mins only 50% is still in your bloodstream, and after 180 mins only 25% is in your blood, etc.
The LA effect on soft tissue for lido with adr can be up to 5 hours. By this time, there will only be about 10% left in your blood.
The effects you describe are not related to the LA. Only at overdose levels would you feel nauseous, but other more serious symptoms would also be apparent, and it would be happening in that first 30 mins, not hours later.
As suggested by the above post, it is more likely due to a lack of food, or taking painkillers on an empty stomach, or stress from the treatment.

Answer 2

I used to work in a dental office and yes this is normal for you to feel that way. Side effects are different for everyone because nobody's body is the same. If you don't like the feeling that should go away soon then just let your dentist know the next time you go that you don't wnat an injection of he or she doesn't listen to you then you can leave someone will. You don't have to have one although you will have some pain. Personally I rather just cry if it hurts that bad them to go through side effects and plus your crying only last for what a couple of mintues whereas with seide effects it takes a while.

Answer 3

Those side effects *could* be result of using esther anesthetics, such as procaine. It's exceptionally rare to see a dentist still using esther anesthetics, especially in the USA. The vast majority of American dentists have switched to amide anesthetics, such as lidocaine, articaine, and mepivicaine.

However, it's also possible that you are reacting to a preservative in the anesthetic. Allergic reactions to the preservative are more common than allergies to the anesthetic agent itself. Allergies can present as itches, hives, rash, fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, or very rarely gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or cramping. It's theoretically possible that's what's cauing your nausea.

Another possible source of post-operative nausea is low blood sugar. Many people don't eat before their dental treatment, and wait until the numbness wears off before eating at all. That can be hours. While I don't recommend chewing on a numb mouth, a little soup or a smoothie after a filling (but NOT an extraction) can really help to steady you.

Or it could just be post traumatic stress. Was it a very stressful procedure?

If your nausea persists, consult with your dentist. If he/she cannot resolve it, consult with your MD.

Answer 4

The anasthetic was probably procaine, or some variant thereof. It dies not usually cause side effects, but occasionally symptoms such as you report are seen. It should wear off after a few days. Be sure to talk to the dentist about this on your next visit.

Answer 5

I have had quiet alot of dental work and they always have use Novocaine on me and I never got ill. Try calling a 24 hour pharmacist and asking their opinion and what you can take for the nausea. If you still feel worried about it tomorrow, call your dentist and tell them what happened and see what they say. Hope that helps!

Answer 6

Even though it is a local ane. it is possible. Sometimes lidocaine with Epi is used this can make you shaky/nauseated/clammy! If the symptoms continue........or are significantly bothersome go to ER or call DDS.
Also,...it can be possible infection after denistry work, they may have opened a pocket of pus @ gumline or in tooth causing these YUCKY symptoms as well

good luck...........hope you feel better

Answer 7

Ive never heard of that before but i know the side effects can lead to such as; fever, headache, sensitivity, and soarness. U might want to go back and discuss it with your dentist because ive never heard of that before, i understand that everyone is different and they different side effects. I hope u feel better and i wish u the best of luck. ;-)

Answer 8

suzy i too had dental problems a week before and i too was given an injection ,but i dint have had any of those problems, this might be b,coz of the weakness due to dental tooth problem as u might hav not eaten during this period.

Answer 9

It has been used for decades, and very very few people have a reaction to it.

Your reaction is nerves or something else.