Local Anesthetic Allergies

It is reassuring to know that, although reactions to local anesthetics are pretty standard in our field, not all of these reactions are necessarily caused by an allergic reaction. A fair number of people have symptoms that are rooted in anxiety, fear, and hyperventilation. Some people even have strange side effects that occur with epinephrine, which is a prevalent ingredient in local anesthetics, as it helps to prolong the numb feeling that we get when an anesthetic is administered.

Methylparaben, which is a preservative that is added to many local anesthetics, is one of the most common causes of local anesthetic allergic reactions. Unfortunately, susceptible individuals may experience an allergic reaction during specific procedures involving local anesthetics, so speaking with your dentist ahead of time to avoid this is important.

Latex Allergy

Latex is one of the primary ingredients found in the majority of rubber products. In the healthcare industry, it is one of the most commonly used items. Latex examination gloves can be found in just about every dentist’s office in the United States. Unfortunately, some people develop latex allergies, which can result in several serious side effects, including itching, wheezing, throat tightness, hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Here at the Dental Anesthesia Center, we use only non-latex gloves to help protect those with latex allergies.