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Last Thursday I had a dentist appointment for a temporary crown, and had the worst reaction to date to the novacaine. Normally I can expect a horrendous headache the next day, but this time my reaction included panic attacks while in the chair (they offered me oxygen) and all the symptoms of an alcohol hangover (headache, nausea, dry mouth, the works). The dentist I go to hasn't suggested any alternatives when I've discussed my reactions with him, but it seems like there should be something else they could use. In addition, it takes over an hour for the novacaine to even begin working. My dental appointments tend to take up an entire morning or afternoon, and then I have a couple days recovery to boot. So anybody have the same problem? What do you do about it?
-------------------- I'll drive it ugly. You can't see the paint job when you're behind the wheel, anyway. Posts: 570 | From: Central Valley, California | Registered: Dec 2005
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I just had a crown, and no bad reactions or pain, except pulling off the temp, and a little bit from the adhesive, as I chose to skip the shots when I went in for the final crown. Dentist said this was better so I could feel if the bite was correct.
Actually, it's probably xylocaine (sp?), they shot you with, not Novacaine, which is outmoded. Perhaps you are sensitive - or not sensitive enough - to whatever drug it was, unless the panic was psychological - certainly a possibility.
Sounds like your dentist needs to be more open to trying new things. Mine first uses something touched to the gums to diminish the pain of the needle. Often does two or three shots, rather than only one. Should kick in in less than 30 minutes. Does your dentist ask what other meds you're taking?
Some people go to dentists who put them to sleep, but there is new technology that uses lasers instead of shots to numb tissue.
I'm pleased with my dentist, and have been going to her for twenty years. She tends to keep up with the latest tech, although she costs more. If you weren't so far from Soquel (near Santa Cruz), I'd tell you to go to her!
You could also be someone who is more sensitive in the morning - or is it the afternoon? Perhaps changing the time of your appointments to morning instead of afternoon (or visa versa?) would help. Can't hurt to try! This seems to be the case for surgery and dental work. I don't have the refs; I'll let you look them up yourself on the net, unless you write me and ask me to research for you (which I might!), since you're busy enough as a teacher.
Do you have red hair? I've read that redheads are less responsive to anesthesia, so feel more pain. Many drugs have been tested on men, rather than women, so that is another potential problem. Also, different ethnicities may react differently. Eventually, we will have DNA tests to help find the most effective drugs for each us.
Sorry you're having trouble. BTW, I've seen your sig many times. So, just how badly does your car need to be painted?
-------------------- Only when we remake ourselves can we remake the world. - Outer Limits (2001) Posts: 559 | From: Santa Cruz, CA | Registered: Aug 2006
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Surfcitydogdad writes: Sorry you're having trouble. BTW, I've seen your sig many times. So, just how badly does your car need to be painted?
Car's getting primer in a couple months!! Thanks for asking. We need a whole new front clip, and will have to do some work on one fender well. Its been a long haul (almost 3 years) in part because its hard to get parts for 72 Camaros.
-------------------- I'll drive it ugly. You can't see the paint job when you're behind the wheel, anyway. Posts: 570 | From: Central Valley, California | Registered: Dec 2005
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Have you talked to your dentist about using gas? It helps with pain relief and relaxation.
-------------------- How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? - Lewis Black Posts: 8322 | From: Columbus, OH | Registered: Aug 2005
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