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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 recognize that bad experiences in the past don’t guarantee that you will never be able to become numb.

At Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS, we take extra time and care with men and women who have historically had dilemmas getting numb. Various processes used with different medications can overcome numbing factors. We will find the exact combination to make you comfortable.

Let’s examine 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 called 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 continually to regulate your pH balance.

When the pH level is abnormal, numbing agents can be less effective. 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 changes 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 treatment.

Active Metabolism

If painkilling medications wear off rapidly, it could be due to an extra-active metabolism. Intensive exercise and caffeine can accelerate 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 influence where nerves are located. Some men and women even have an extra nerve where most people have only one.

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

We get it. It’s difficult 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 extra painkilling medication. This sounds wacky, but it is backed by science. The gene that produces hair color (Mc1R) also affects 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 intensify 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 314-837-7744. We can help you keep your smile as uniquely beautiful as your hair.

Nervousness

Individuals 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 influence the perception of pain even though there are no biological changes.

Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

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

We Can Overcome These Challenges

Dr. Martin Buchheit takes special care of dental patients who have difficulty getting numb. We use different medications and processes to work around these concerns.

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

Contact Koch Park Dental – Martin L. Buchheit, DDS:

314-837-7744

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2149 Charbonier Rd
Florissant, Missouri
63033