You may not be able to use Novocaine, or you may need an adjustment in dosage or monitoring during your dental treatment.
When it comes to sedation dentistry, the most common form that all dentists use is local anesthesia. Novocaine has been in use for a number of decades and, most of the time, doesn’t cause any problems. However, as with any type of medication, there is always the potential for side effects.
Dr. Hoffman and his whole Staff are absolutely amazing we have a Special Needs Daughter 54 years old and the Compassion and Care they give her is wonderful! We would recommend them highly.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and recommendation! Our team truly appreciates your trust and is honored to provide compassionate care to every patient who visits us.
The beat dentist office ever!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you had a great experience with our team. 💙
I have NEVER had a positive experience with dentist…until now!! I was mind blown how kind the staff was, not just to me but to everyone! I have debilitating anxiety when it comes to dentists because of bad previous experiences, so I was very nervous. But, all the staff, including Dr. Thom, were very gentle, kind, and understanding. They took time to listen to all my concerns and address them, helping to put me at ease. I was also amazed how professional the whole office ran and how completely reliable they were. They easily guided me through the process and everything went so smoothly, including my sedation. I have never been treated so kindly by any dental office before, I was struggling to believe I wasn’t in some kind of dream. But. They really were that nice.
My recovery from sedation and all
The dental work they did to save my tooth was amazing, not a single issue! Dr. Thom even called personally to check on me a day later.
Coming back to put my permanent crown in was the same experience. They were all so kind,
Good about explaining everything they were doing and make the experience light and dare I say…fun.
I would drive 2.5 hours again in a heartbeat to do my work here. Best dental experience I’ve ever
had hands down!!!!!!! Thank you Dr. Thom for giving my life and tooth back. I’m so excited to not be in so much excruciating pain anymore!
Response from the owner:We can’t thank you enough for your kind and heartfelt words. Our entire team is dedicated to creating a gentle, supportive, and positive experience for every patient, so it means the world to hear your visit felt that way. We’re so glad you felt cared for and comfortable throughout the process, and we truly appreciate you making the trip to see us. Thank you for trusting us—it’s an honor to care for patients like you!
Dr. Hoffmann and his team takes great care of my special needs daughter. We have been coming here for over 20 years. The staff is so kind and patient with her and explains everything to help her stay calm.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words and for trusting our team for so many years. We’re honored to care for your family and appreciate the opportunity to make each visit a positive experience.
I have had the best experience with Dr Behl and her staff! I have awful dental anxiety from some past experiences and they are so kind and supportive. Rebecca is incredible to work with. I highly recommend them to everyone I know!!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your kind words! We’re happy to know you felt supported and comfortable during your visit. Our team strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone, and we truly appreciate your recommendation.

People who are sensitive to Novocaine may experience an allergic reaction. If you’ve used it before and it hasn’t caused any issues, then you will likely not suffer an allergic reaction. However, if it is your first time, let your dentist know so that he or she can monitor you for any symptoms.
A Decrease in Novocaine Use
Anesthesia was first used in the 1800s, and the practice has continued to progress substantially over the past two hundred years. When Novocaine was first introduced, dentists used it to inject into the sensitive parts of the mouth so that patients wouldn’t feel any pain. Over time, the number of people having an adverse reaction began to grow, which has led many in the dentistry field to try to find an alternative.
Articaine
Although not used frequently, studies show that Articaine is not only a viable solution for those with Novocaine sensitivity or allergies, but it might be a better product overall. Articaine is a medicine that can be an excellent alternative to injectable Novocaine. It is the most widely used local anesthetic in many European countries.
Lidocaine
Lidocaine is a medication that has been used in both the medical and dental industries for a long time. Like Novocaine, it is an injectable substance that is meant to numb the nerves and gum tissue in the mouth to make dental procedures far less painful.
Lidocaine remains the standard of care when dentists are looking for local anesthesia options. The advantages of using Lidocaine versus Novocaine are that there are fewer side effects and that Lidocaine has had a proven track record for the last 50 years.
Allergic Reactions to Novocaine
Allergic reactions to Novocaine can range in severity. The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are typically limited to the area of the mouth where it is applied and may consist of swelling. In rare but severe cases, a person may experience a drop in blood pressure or difficulty breathing.
The Dental Anesthesia Center St. Louis
At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we have the first two board-certified Dental Anesthesiologists in the State of Missouri, including the St. Louis Metro Area. We believe that patients should have sufficient information to make educated decisions about their oral health, treatment options, and choice of sedation dentists in Saint Louis.
We work hard to make our patients feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. We strive to develop lifelong relationships with our patients by combining the latest dental technology with a professional and compassionate team.
Call to schedule an appointment at (314) 862-7844.