Side effects of local anesthesia

Local anesthetics are well tolerated in most cases, so that no side effects occur. If side effects occur, they are usually caused by the addition of adrenaline. Absolute contraindications for the administration of adrenaline are If too large an amount of the anesthetic is used, discomfort, restlessness, dizziness, palpitations, a metallic taste, numbness in the mouth and seizures may occur.

Furthermore, the patient may be allergic to the local anesthetic. As a complication, the injection can cause nerve damage, especially to the lingual nerve and the inferior alveolar nerve, which is sometimes permanent. Vascular damage and damage to the mucous membrane may occur. Infection rarely occurs.

An untreated glaucoma (narrow angle glaucoma)
A high-frequency absolute arrhythmia
Nd the intake of tricyclic antidepressants

Which active ingredients are used?

Various active ingredients are approved for local anaesthesia during dental treatment. Depending on the supplier, they can vary in their exact composition. For more detailed information, you should always seek a consultation with your treating physician.

Among the most common active ingredients are In order to prolong the duration of action, additives such as epinephrine or norepinehprin (also adrenaline) are usually used. These cause the blood vessels to contract, so that the active ingredient is not transported away so quickly, but remains active in its desired place for longer. This also reduces the tendency to bleed.

Lidocaine
Prilocaine
Articain
Mepivacaine
Procaine

The duration of local anesthesia can vary greatly.It depends on the type of active substance, the amount administered and the concentration of the adrenaline supplement. The higher the concentration of adrenalin and the more anaesthetic is administered, the longer the anaesthesia lasts. The way of application also has an effect on the duration.

A block anaesthesia, in which the right or left half of the lower jaw is completely anaesthetised, lasts longer than an infiltration anaesthesia or intraligamentous anaesthesia, in which only individual teeth are anaesthetised. The anesthesia usually subsides completely after 3-5 hours. As long as the oral cavity is still anaesthetized, you should refrain from eating and drinking hot beverages to avoid injury.

In principle, treatment with local anesthesia by the dentist is possible during pregnancy as well as while breastfeeding. However, the indication for the necessity of the treatment should be strictly defined, because although local anesthetics are well tolerated, every intervention is associated with risks. If there is an urgent need for treatment, the pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with the treating physician in advance so that the appropriate local anesthetic can be chosen and, if necessary, the dose can be reduced. Also the possible renunciation of certain additives such as adrenaline in the local anaesthetic mixtures should be discussed in advance in case of an existing pregnancy. Articaine and bupivacaine are frequently used.