Most people have experienced a numbing injection while sitting in the dental chair. Local anesthesia is a common part of dental work for anything from a filling to a tooth extraction. For some, the fear of the small needle is real, but keep in mind that the injection is virtually painless compared to undergoing dental work without anesthesia.
Keeping it Local
The majority of dental work is successfully completed with the use of local anesthesia, meaning only the treated area is numbed. Lidocaine and similar drugs are the most commonly used local anesthetics. Novocain is the old school anesthetic, but it’s no longer used due to better options and its unpleasant side effects.
There are two kinds of numbing injections: block and infiltration. A block injection numbs a region of your mouth, for instance the entire left side, while an infiltration injection numbs a smaller area such as the precise site of treatment.
The numbing drug is only one portion of the injection, which also includes a vasoconstrictor or similar substances that helps narrow blood vessels to deliver the medication quickly and make it last longer. Numbness from local anesthesia can last for several hours and can stay in your system for up to 24 hours. Side effects are typically rare, but it’s advised to use caution while chewing, swallowing, and talking as you don’t want to accidentally injure yourself and be unaware.
All the Feels
Some people claim they have difficulty getting numb at the dentist. The last thing you want is to feel any pain or discomfort during a procedure. Below are some reasons why it might be tough to go numb.
Disrupted pH: Your body’s pH level plays a huge role in how you respond to numbing. Local anesthesia is highly acidic, hence the burning sensation during injection. There are various explanations for why your pH might be wacky, for instance, if you’ve consumed too much Vitamin C.
Elhers-Danlos Syndrome: This group of rare genetic diseases involves defects in connective tissues, excessive bruising, and joint immobility, which can make it difficult for people to go numb.
High metabolism: Whether caused by anxiety, exercise, or excessive caffeine intake, the body can kick into high gear, causing metabolism to skyrocket. Dental fear and nervousness can often be reduced by taking a mild oral sedative prior to your appointment.
Infection: An active infection creates a highly acidic environment. Pus from an infection can alter the pH level making it difficult to get numb. Oftentimes, a patient will be prescribed an antibiotic prior to dental work in order to improve the infection and reduce the risk of developing an abscess.
Lactic acid: The act of grinding or clenching your teeth can cause the facial muscles to build up lactic acid, which can throw off the pH level. Fun tip: Some patients are told to consume Tums the night before and morning of their procedure to neutralize the body’s acidity.
Red hair: The genetic factor that gives people red hair is related to pain receptors in the body, making it harder for red heads to achieve numbness, nonetheless requiring additional anesthetic.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding numbness at your visit, we are here to help! Call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.