What are the dangers of novicane?

Question

My daughter goes to the dentist tomorrow. She has many many allergies. The last time the novicane made her dizzy, but then it went away. She also has palpitations .Should I have a reason to worry?? She is having one filling tomorrow, then she needs to see an oral surgeon for 4 impacted wisdom teeth. More novicane. HELP!!!!!

Answer 1

I'd strongly urge you to tell all this to your daughter's dentist, especially the part about her reaction to the novocain last time she had it (the dizziness). This web site lists several side effects and drug interactions for novocain and may help answer some of your questions: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,8108%7CProcaine+,00.html

But I would strongly encourage you to just talk to the DENTIST about this. There are a number of alternatives to novocain that the dentist and oral surgeon can use instead, and you can talk to the dentist/surgeon about all the alternatives and what side effects they might carry. Be sure to mention your daughter's heart condition, as that is very important as well.

Good luck and try not to worry (though since you're a Dad, I know you will anyway!)

Answer 2

Luckily Dentists no longer use Novocaine (it hasn't been used since the late 1960s).

The most common anesthetics used are- 2% lidocaine with epinephrine, 4% septocaine with epinephrine and 3% mepivicaine plain (without epinephrine). These are all drugs that are considered to be "amides"- synthetic agents that have (thankfully) no reproducible allergic reactions. So any chance of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic tomorrow is near zero.

Things she could have a reaction to are:

the topical anesthetic placed before the injection (this is plant based and many cause redness and swelling- also very rare),

the epinephrine (may cause heart to race, anxiety, sweating, etc- much like you've had too much caffeine- takes less than 5 minutes to pass). Very common.

and finally the needle (psychogenic reaction- causing dizziness, nausea, cold sweats, anxiety). The most common reaction to local anesthesia. 99% of all reactions are this type.

Most likely your daughter's reaction is psychogenic (very common)... the sensation a needle causes (and the anxiety associated) the body to undergo a "fight or flight" response. The adrenaline surges and causes blood to temporarily pool in the skeletal muscles (getting ready for fleeing the situation)- this lowers the amount of blood available to the head- so you get dizzy. Lasts less than a minute and is totally harmless. Luckily it is very difficult to pass out laying down. So just make sure she stays reclined during and after the injection. Also, so everyone's feeling comfortable- make sure dental personnel stays in the room at all times once the injection(s) has/have been given.

Now- as for the palpitations- your dentist will review the medical history and patient the most comprehensively (he or she doesn't want any unnecessary problems either)- but it may be best to choose the plain anesthetic (without epinephrine or use a very limited amount). This is especially true of the filling appointment. As for the wisdom teeth- the amount of anesthetic required to numb four parts of the mouth completely and comfortably may make it necessary to use epinephrine (it causes the anesthetic to enter the bloodstream slowly and therefore lessen any chances of an overdose). Again, the oral surgeon is EXTREMELY skilled and will make the best decision (weighing the benefit against the risk of any medications given to your daughter).

It's natural to be concerned about the safety and security of our kids- however, with every confidence I can say you don't have to worry!! The more you worry- the more this is sensed by your daughter and the less pleasant her dental experiences become.

Good luck- and keep asking such good questions!

Answer 3

Novocaine makes a lot of people dizzy, the palpitations were likely caused by anxiety. If she were allergic to Novocaine, she would have displayed symptoms like rash, or breathing difficulties and she would have done so immediately. Besides, dentists don't use Novocaine anymore, they use much more effective numbing agents now. Be sure the oral surgeon knows all of her current allergies. And relax, they are professionals and know how to deal with allergic reactions.

Answer 4

there are two parts to novicane. one is epinephrine(i think) which helps the novicane to last longer. it could be that part that's causing your daughter to react this way. i take celexa and novicane makes my entire body shake. it's weird but not dangerous. my dentist figured out that it was the epinephrine that was doing it. now he leaves it out when i need novicane. this is just a thought of course but it's worth asking about.

Answer 5

Novocaine makes you semi sleepy..so if your daughter felt dizzy, it may be because she was feeling sleepy...Maybe laughing gas to make her go to sleep instead of novocaine?