Our dentists are the first two dental anesthesiologists board-certified in deep sedimentation in Missouri.
If your child needs to have a dental procedure, the objective is to minimize the hurt and trauma that can be associated with dental treatments. If dentist visits go smoothly early on in their lives, children are much more likely to develop good oral habits well into adulthood. One frequently asked question is whether or not to use Novocaine to numb the mouth before dental sedation.
While it’s usually a very safe product, there are times when children can have reactions and side effects from using Novocaine. Knowing what they are and what to look for is very important. Typically, the side effects aren’t serious but rather something to keep an eye on.
What is Novocaine?
Novocaine, technically known as procaine, is a local anesthetic commonly used in dental procedures to numb a specific area of the mouth. It works by blocking nerve signals in your body, which helps to reduce pain during dental treatments. Novocaine is often chosen for its rapid onset and relatively short duration of effectiveness, making it ideal for procedures that don’t require prolonged numbness.
Is Novocaine Safe?
Novocaine is generally safe but can cause reactions. Inform the dentist about past use and your child’s medical history to ensure safety.
Allergies
There are instances when children are allergic to Novocaine, and the allergy can range from mild irritation to severe. If your dentist is going to use Novocaine, let them know if your child has had it before. That way, they know what to watch for. If they have used it in the past without any problems, there is very minimal risk that they are allergic.
Central Nervous System Reactions
Sometimes, novocaine interferes with the functioning of someone’s central nervous system. Your dentist should know the complete history of your child’s medical conditions and single out any chronic issues that can interfere with Novocaine use. The dentist will also want to know if they take any medications regularly.
Novocaine or Oral Sedation?
In most instances, Novocaine is an easy fix that helps to eliminate the potential for discomfort and pain. If your child has any pre-existing conditions, however, then Novocaine might not be a good idea. Also, if the treatment is extensive, then you might want to consider another course, like oral sedation.
There are several ways to sedate your child, some of which come with minimal risk and may be better overall if the dental procedure is more involved. The best way to decide what is right for your child is to discuss all the options available with your dental provider. They will be able to provide you with the pros and cons associated with using various things, from Novocaine to oral sedation.
Novocaine is great for minor dental procedures as long as your child doesn’t react to it. To minimize the potential for side effects, talk with your dentist, bring in a copy of any medical history that might be of concern, and know precisely what medications your child is currently on. If your child does react to Novocaine, it is essential to put it in their medical files going forward.
St. Louis Sedation Dentistry
Your initial oral examination at The Dental Anesthesia Center includes a visual examination, charting, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. We will also take x-rays, which include the panoramic x-ray for proper diagnosis of the anterior (front) and posterior (back) teeth and the bite-wing x-ray series for proper diagnosis of proximal decay of posterior teeth.
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The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.