Special Needs Dentistry: Can You Be Allergic to Novocaine?

You may not be able to use Novocaine, or you may need an adjustment in dosage or monitoring during your dental treatment.

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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.

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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.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your thoughtful review and kind words. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide care and appreciate you trusting our team. Wishing you and your family all the best!

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!!

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We appreciate your feedback and support.

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.

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.