Ask the Dental Experts
Our philosophy is to help our patients achieve and maintain exceptional dental health. We work hard to make sure that our level of care is deserving of our patients’ respect and confidence. Our tradition of preventive dentistry is the basis for all service and care in our practice. We welcome all questions and comments regarding dentistry in the hope that we increase your dental "IQ" and help you make better dental health decisions.Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Bad reaction to dental anesthetic
Q: My daughter had a reaction to a dental anesthetic. What should I do to find out what might cause this and how should I proceed with dental treatment in the future?
A: Good question - What your daughter probably experienced was an increased pulse and heart rate following the injection of a local anesthetic. It is not uncommon for patients to feel nervous with a fast heart rate immediately after receiving a shot of local anesthetic. This generally happens when an anesthetic with a vasoconstrictor is being used. (These additives make local anesthetic more effective and helps the area stay numb longer).
In these cases, the vasoconstrictor is entering into larger veins and going into general circulation. The vasoconstrictor is the same as the naturally occurring "fight or flight" hormone adrenaline, and it is acting just like the release of natural adrenaline would to produce a heightened sense of awareness, nervousness and an increased heart rate. This is a short lived reaction and is generally not dangerous. The feeling fades after a minute or two and the patient feels much better.
This is not an allergy or a problem drug reaction - simply your body responding in a normal way to medicines that have been introduced. You can discuss it with your doctor the next time you need to have some work done, but it should make you feel better that it usually does not happen, and when it does, it is only a temporary condition.
Sincerely,
The Medical Center Dental Group
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