How Long Will the Effects of Novocaine Last?

Novocaine is a local anesthetic that is generally used in dental treatments or small surgeries.

It is ideal for this type of procedure because it has a short-lived effect and can be concentrated in small areas. Depending on how the practitioner uses it, its effect will typically last between 30 and 90 minutes.

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Kimberly C.

We had a very positive experience with Dental Anesthesia Center. Dr. Thoms and his entire staff were kind, patient, and understanding throughout the entire process. My child has special needs, and as an anxious mom, I truly appreciated how compassionate and reassuring everyone was.

We were referred to Dr. Thoms by our child’s dentist, and they took the time to explain everything while genuinely wanting to do what was best for my son. Communication was excellent throughout the procedure, which helped ease a lot of my anxiety. The office staff, including the ladies who handled the payment process, were just as kind and helpful, and I never felt pressured when discussing treatment or costs.

The cost was more than we anticipated and definitely an unexpected expense, but my child’s needs always come first. Most importantly, my son seemed very comfortable afterward, did not appear to be in pain, and was eating an hour after the procedure.

I don’t give perfect scores lightly, but I would absolutely recommend Dr. Thoms and his team to other families, especially parents of children with special needs.

Dave K.

As a 75 year old man, I have been to several dentist’s and none compare to Dr. Thoms and Dr. Behl. The entire staff is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have had some major work done and I/V sedation is definitely the way to go. Five stars to the entire team at DAC. I highly recommend their services.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team. It’s always our goal to provide comfortable, high-quality care to every patient.

Chris H.

Great staff, and great experience!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the 5-star review—we truly appreciate your support!

Keith T.

They were very professional. And fortunately, I don’t remember anything else!!

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Leeann P.

Very professional!! Dr Thom is amazing! Staff takes wonderful care of me!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words! We appreciate your feedback and are grateful for the opportunity to provide a positive experience.

If you are about to have a procedure with Novocaine, here is what to expect.

What is Novocaine?

Novocaine is a brand of the local anesthetic procaine, usually used for uncomplicated procedures. It numbs a small localized area, allowing the doctor to perform surgery.

The types of procedures that require the use of Novocaine vary from dental care to small surgery, such as dermatology, ophthalmology, etc. Your doctor will most probably administer this anesthetic when treating a cavity, removing a wart, or collecting tissue for biopsy.

A Short History of Novocaine

Novocaine revolutionized the medical world at the beginning of the 20th century, becoming the first synthetic local anesthetic to be used in the United States. It has allowed doctors to perfect their procedures and increase the quality of treatment received by the patients.

Novocaine replaced cocaine as the local anesthetic, and it had fewer side effects than the drug. In the last decade, with new synthetic anesthesia being introduced, Novocaine lost its popularity, but plenty of dentists and doctors continue to use it.

How Long Do the Effects of Novocaine Last?

If you are worried that Novocaine will not numb you throughout your procedure, it is important to note that while it might be the shortest-acting local anesthetic nowadays, your dentist can make it last longer by administering it together with epinephrine (adrenaline).

The dentist will increase the dosage if needed or switch to a different drug in case Novocaine is no longer helping.

Novocaine by itself will typically last about 30 minutes, while paired with epinephrine, it can last up to 90 minutes. Its effects begin 9-10 minutes after being administered through an injection in the tissue.

What Factors Could Influence How Long Novocaine Lasts?

The main factor that dictates how long the drug’s effect will last is the dosage. Your sedation dentist will calculate the dosage based on the size of the area that needs to be numbed, the number of nerves present in that area, and whether epinephrine will be used.

If the Novocaine injection doesn’t seem to work, the dosage will be increased, or the injection will be made in a different area. The doctor might also choose to use something else.

The bottom line is this: Novocaine is a widely used local anesthetic because it is generally stable and safe for patients. Its prolonged effects, when paired with epinephrine, allow it to be used for a broad range of treatments while having minimal side effects.

If you have additional question, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (314) 862-7844.