Denver Dentists: Anesthetics

Novocaine is one of the most widely used anesthetics for dentistry. Most likely you've seen it used while visiting your Denver dentist, and more likely you cringed at the thought of the dentist's needle puncturing your gum (needles, oh NEEDLES!). It is unfortunate that novocaine and needles are two things you have to deal with when visiting your Denver dentist, but knowing how it and the other anesthetics your dentist uses work is good information before you schedule your visit. Also, being aware of the side-effects of these Denver dentist anesthetics will also help you choose the right one to use.

Want to talk to someone about Denver Dentists: Anesthetics? Fill out the 30 second Denver Dentists: Anesthetics contact form

denver dentist orthodontics invisalign box banner

Novocaine and It's Side Effects

The process in which novocaine is intended to work is a complicated one, just ask your Denver dentist about it.

The chemical anesthetic works by displacing calcium ions from the nerve in your tooth. The molecule of novocaine binds to the nerve creating a blockade to the sodium channel, and decreasing the conductivity of the sodium itself. Any impulses that arrive at the nerve are subsequently delayed, which is why you feel no pain during certain dentist procedures.

Of course, this wonder anesthetic is not without it's drawbacks. Here are several of the side-effects of novocaine when being used by your Denver dentist:

Adrenaline increase: This is the most common side effect of novocaine as it contains epinephrine or adrenaline. You may feel your heart rate increase as your Denver dentist injects you with the novocaine. This seems a little frightening at first but it will gradually pass. Usually this can be avoided if the Denver dentist withdraws the excess fluids in the syringe before he decides to inject your gums with novocaine.

Slowing of the heart: If too much novocaine is injected by your Denver dentist, your heat rate may slow considerably (this is corresponding to the patient's body weight). It is vital the Denver dentist know this before injecting a patient who is a child. Also, allergic reactions to novocaine may cause irregular breathing patterns or seizures.

Novocaine during pregnancy: Being injected with novocaine while pregnant has not been fully tested out. Ask your Denver dentist about the safety of your fetus' exposure to the drug.

Nervous system effects: Novocaine can sometimes affect the nervous system directly resulting in dizziness, tremors, blurred vision or nervousness. Certain conditions may worsen, forming into drowsiness or convulsions and potentially unconsciousness or cardiac arrest. There is also a risk of nerve damage associated with novocaine so please check with your Denver dentist about these potential problems.

In conclusion, novocaine is not a prescription drug. It is available to medical professionals or dentists who know what they're doing. Check with your own medical history to make sure you are not allergic to novocaine and then check withy our Denver dentist.

denver orthodontist dentist image

Nitrous Oxide and Your Denver Dentist

Nitrous oxide is another popular anesthetic used by your Denver dentist. When administered the gas produces a euphoric sensation in the patient, hence the moniker "laughing gas", so they can relax during a dental procedure. Fortunately, the gas itself has very few long or short term effects when used by your dentist for surgery or other procedures.

A little history -

Nitrous oxide was first created back in 1775 by a British chemist named Joseph Priestly. It wasn't until the 1840s that dentists in the US began using it as a anesthetic during dental procedures. During that time, it was considered popular by dental patients because it rendered them semiconscious, but still able to respond to questions.

Effects -

When nitrous oxide is inhaled, the patient will usually feel a combination of tingling, euphoria, lack of coordination and warmth. Do not be alarmed as this is typical. If you feel any adverse side-effects, inform your Denver dentist immediately. If you end up breathing too much of the gas in, you can experience a dream-like state, sleep and nausea.

Tolerance-

As it is with all drugs, you can develop a tolerance to laughing gas making it less effective after each visit to your Denver dentist's office.

Recreational usage-

Pure nitrous oxide can be obtained from whipped cream cans and is fairly popular amongst teenagers. This is ill-advised as this gas is meant for dental purposes and to be used by your Denver dentist in a professional manner. Use of this gas can cause dizziness, euphoria, depersonalization and sound distortion. The high itself is very short-lived, which usually leads to developing a tolerance, and subsequently, a need for more gas. Unfortunately, some have been known to have died from asphyxiation because their breathing is obstructed for too long while trying to obtain a high. There are also cases of unconsciousness occurring as well as some getting sick and choking on their own vomit. If the person continues to use nitrous oxide for a purpose beyond what it's meant for, they can develop nerve damage.

Side-effects-

Some of the negative side-effects of using nitrous oxide include:

- Headaches

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Vertigo

- Sleepiness

- Unconsciousness

If you experience any kind of discomfort, inform your Denver dentist immediately. Headaches are a common occurrence with laughing gas if the dental patient does not receive oxygen at least five minutes after the gas has been administered.

denver orthodontist dentist image