Possible Side Effects to Novocain

Dentists often use local anesthetics like Novocain when filling cavities or extracting teeth, and most of the time it does not cause any problems for the patient. As with any medication, however, sometimes there are side effects. Before going through a dental procedure, talking with your dentist about what to expect and what warning signs to watch for goes a long way, so that way you can call your dentist and get additional treatment if necessary. Luckily, the side effects of Novocain are usually very mild and are not cause for alarm, but they are something people should be aware of.

Allergic Reactions

Some people are sensitive to Novocain, and this can range in severity like many allergies. If you have used Novocain successfully before, it is likely you are not allergic to it. If you have not and you still have to encounter Novocain for the first time, let your dentist know so he or she can monitor you for any adverse side effects. The signs of an allergic reaction are usually around the mouth where the Novocain is applied, and they may include swelling or trouble breathing in severe cases.

Central Nervous System Reaction

In some instances, Novocain can affect the normal functioning of your central nervous system, but your dentist will look over your medical history for any pre-existing conditions to determine the correct dosage for you. Nervousness and dizziness in the central nervous system and also respiratory failure can occur if the dose of Novocain is too high. Fortunately, your dentist is properly trained and can make the appropriate judgement for your treatment to avoid adverse side effects.

What the Dentist Can Do

Dentists are aware of Novocain’s side effects, so they can discuss those side effects with you and any questions you have about them. They know what signs to look for if their patients are having a reaction to the drug during the dental procedure so that the proper measures can be taken to keep the patient safe.

If you do start showing signs of any side effects due to the Novocain, your dentist can decide to stop the procedure and recommend medical care if the reaction is extremely adverse. Your dentist may choose instead to use a different local anesthetic after the Novocain wears off. If this problem does occur, your dentist can make a note of it in your medical files for any dental procedures in the future to keep you safe and prevent further adverse reactions.

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