What to Know About a Novacaine Allergy

At The Dental Anesthesia Center in St. Louis, patient safety is always our highest priority. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

While Novocaine allergies are extremely rare, understanding the symptoms, causes, and safe alternatives is essential for any patient—especially those with dental anxiety, a history of allergies, or special healthcare needs.

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The Dental Anesthesia Center: Sedation and Sleep Dentistry4.9

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Ruby W.

Wonderful place for my special needs daughter. She is not always cooperative. They are very good and patient with her. Thankful she can receive anesthesia at the office and not have to take her for out patient service at a hospital. Thank you to all the staff 😇

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. Our team is grateful for your trust and is always committed to providing patient-centered, compassionate care.

Susan B.

Best experiences ever. My two special needs children need sedation dentistry and see Dr. Thoms. Dr. Thoms is so kind, caring and reassuring. He truly has a special gift in treating people with special needs. So grateful to be his patients.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind feedback. We’re grateful for the opportunity to provide care in a supportive and reassuring environment.

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.

Julie S.

We absolutely love the Dental Anesthesia Center. From the staff to the doctors - everyone is amazing. They are caring, kind and efficient.

Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and 5-star review! We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with our team.

gordon G.

A remarkably excellent experience everytime
My son needs anesthesia for any dental procedures. Dr. Thoms and staff always meet our needs. Cannot recommend highly enough

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re honored by your trust and truly appreciate the recommendation.

What Is Novocaine and How Does It Work?

Novocaine, or procaine, is a local anesthetic that temporarily blocks nerve signals in a specific area of the body, usually the mouth, during dental procedures. It works by interfering with the transmission of nerve impulses, preventing the sensation of pain from reaching the brain.

When injected near a nerve, Novocaine inhibits the sodium channels in nerve cells, which are essential for generating electrical signals. Without these signals, pain sensations are effectively shut down in the treated area.

Although the term “Novocaine” is still commonly used by patients, it’s rarely used in modern dentistry. Today, more advanced anesthetics like lidocaine and articaine are preferred because they:

• They are less likely to cause allergic reactions
• Act faster
• Last longer

Can You Be Allergic to Novocaine?

Yes—but it’s rare. True allergies to Novocaine or related local anesthetics affect a tiny percentage of the population.

What causes a reaction?

• Allergy to the anesthetic itself (e.g., procaine or other ester-based drugs)
• Sensitivity to preservatives (such as methylparaben or sulfites used in multi-dose vials)
• Anxiety-related reactions that mimic allergies, like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or dizziness

Symptoms of a Novocaine Allergy

If a person is allergic to Novocaine or similar anesthetics, symptoms may include:

• Skin reactions: hives, itching, or rash
• Respiratory issues: wheezing, difficulty breathing, throat tightness
• Cardiovascular symptoms: low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting
• In rare cases: anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency

Note: Many people who believe they had an “allergic reaction” in the past were experiencing side effects or anxiety-induced symptoms, not a true allergy.

Diagnosing a Novocaine Allergy

If you suspect an allergy, don’t guess—get tested.

Be sure to inform your dentist about:

• Past reactions to dental or medical anesthesia
• Any known allergies to medications or preservatives
• Your complete medical history

What Are the Alternatives to Novocaine?

Fortunately, modern dentistry offers several alternatives for patients with suspected anesthetic allergies:

• Sedation options: At The Dental Anesthesia Center, we offer oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia for patients who can’t tolerate local anesthetics

Special Considerations for Anxious or Special Needs Patients

If you’re a patient with dental anxiety, a complex medical history, or a developmental disability, our team is trained to provide compassionate, customized care. Sedation dentistry can be a safe and stress-free option, even if you have concerns about anesthetics.

What to Do Before Your Appointment

• Talk to your dentist about any past allergic reactions or sensitivities.
• Bring your medical records or allergy test results, if available.
• Ask about your options—including sedation techniques suited for your needs.

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?

We specialize in sedation and sleep dentistry for adults, children, and patients with special needs in the St. Louis area. With decades of experience and hospital-grade anesthesia capabilities, we provide safe, comfortable dental care—even for the most complex cases.