Trouble Getting Numb For Dental Treatment?

Categories: General dentistry

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Our bodies work differently. Some dental patients don’t react to local anesthetics by getting numb. This is understandably concerning when you need dental treatment. (And the word “concerning” may be a huge understatement!)

It’s important to understand that bad experiences in the past don’t guarantee that you will never be able to become numb.

At The Dental Design Center – Ira J. Handschuh, D.D.S., we take extra time and care with individuals who have historically had issues getting numb. Various processes used with different medications can overcome numbing conditions. We will find the precise combination to make you comfortable.

Let’s discuss the possible causes.

What Can Affect How I Respond To Numbing Medication?

A pH Imbalance

Your body’s pH level is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity in the blood and other fluids. Also described as acid-base balance, the pH scale goes from 0 to 14. A pH below 7 is acidic. A pH above 7 is alkaline or basic. 7.40 is considered a normal blood pH. Your lungs and kidneys work continuously to regulate your pH balance.

When the pH level is abnormal, numbing agents can be less powerful. Medical conditions such as asthma, emphysema, untreated diabetes, and cancer can affect pH levels.

An Acute Local Infection

This is related to the previous section because an infection affects the pH balance. If a dental patient has an infection in their mouth (sometimes called a hot tooth), it may need to be treated with antibiotics prior to dental care.

Active Metabolism

If painkilling medications wear off swiftly, it could be due to an extra-active metabolism. Intensive exercise and caffeine can speed up your metabolism. It’s best not to overdo either of these immediately before dental treatment.

Differences In Anatomy

When administering local anesthetics, dentists need to locate your nerve(s). But everyone is wired differently and X-rays don’t always give a clear picture of the location of nerves. The size and shape of your jaw and the amount of fat and muscle affect where nerves are located. Some men and women even have an extra nerve whereas most people have only one.

The Patient Moves During The Injection (We Want To Get On Your Nerves)

We get it. It’s tough to stay perfectly still when your dentist is putting a needle into your mouth. But you want the painkiller transmitted to the nerve and it’s hard to hit a moving target.

Red Hair

People with red hair and fair skin may need additional painkilling medication. This sounds wacky, but it is backed by science. The gene that creates hair color (Mc1R) also influences the pain receptors in the brain. The MC1R mutation that produces red hair is due to the production of pheomelanin. The presence of pheomelanin can increase the body’s sensitivity to pain. This is another way people with auburn tresses are unique. But if you are a redhead who has avoided dental visits, please schedule an appointment by calling us at 914-574-2558. We can help you keep your smile as uniquely beautiful as your hair.

Nervousness

Men and women who are extra nervous at the dentist may have trouble getting numb. This could be due to a number of factors. Jaw clenching and holding your breath may change the way the body reacts to painkillers. Extreme anxiety may also impact the perception of pain even though there are no biological changes.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

This rare connective tissue disorder influences a body’s reaction to the numbing medication

We Can Overcome These Challenges

cosmetic dentist Ira Handschuh takes special care of dental patients who have difficulty getting numb. We use different medications and techniques to work around these problems.

There is no need to avoid dental treatment if you have had problems with anesthetics. Come talk to us. We will keep you comfortable during the dental process.

Contact The Dental Design Center – Ira J. Handschuh, D.D.S.:

914-683-5898

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

280 Dobbs Ferry Rd Ste 104
White Plains, New York
10607