I am planning on getting porcelain veneers for a smile makeover, but have a concern. I have a sensitivity to Novocain. Recently, a friend who had porcelain veneers told me that after they put the numbing gel on her, that her hands started shaking and did so for about 15 minutes. I am concerned this will happend to me or something worse because of my sensitivity. Is there a different option for me?
Katie
Dear Katie,
There is epinephrene in Novocain. However, it is too insignificant an amount to cause that type of reaction. It’s main purpose is to increase the effectiveness of the Novocain. The truth is there is a lot more epinephrine in your body as a fear response than there is in the medication used during the porcelain veneers procedure.
The thing I have seen that is the most effective in curbing this reaction is to help a patient remain calm by using something like nitrous oxide. Something as simple as breathing a nitrous oxide gas will relax you enough that there will not be a flood of epinephrine in your system. Almost every dentist offers nitrous oxide, but cerntainly you can get it with any dentist who offers dental sedation. Nitrous oxide is the lowest level of sedation. With this precaution, use of the epinephrine should not be an issue.
I don’t know who your dentist is that is doing your smile makeover, but make certain that he or she has some type of beautiful smile guarantee.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.