Local Anesthetic Allergies

Local Anesthetic Allergies and Other Common Allergies Triggered At the Dentist

You might be surprised to find that we’ve seen many patients with local anesthetic allergies in St. Louis. Beyond that, there are quite a few people who have allergic reactions to fillings, bridges, latex, and more.

We’re here to help!

It’s important to make sure that you discuss the possibility of an allergic reaction with your dentist before you go in and receive any treatment.

Local Anesthetic Allergies

It is good to know that, though reactions to local anesthetics are fairly common in our field, not all of these reactions are the cause of one having an allergic reaction. A fair amount of people have symptoms that are rooted in anxiety, fear, and hyperventilation.

Some people even have strange side effects that occur with epinephrine, which is a very common ingredient in local anesthetics, as it helps to prolong the numb feeling that we get when anesthetic is administered.

Methylparaben, which is a preservative that is added to many local anesthetics, is one of the most common causes of local anesthetic allergic reactions. Unfortunately, susceptible individuals may have their allergies triggered during certain procedures with local anesthetics, so speaking with your dentist ahead of time to avoid that is important.

Latex Allergy

Latex is one of the primary ingredients that can be found in the majority of rubber products out there. In the healthcare industry, it just so happens to be one of the most commonly found items. Latex examination gloves can be found in just about every dentist’s office in the United States. Unfortunately, some people develop latex allergies, which can result in a number of serious side effects, including itching, wheezing, throat tightness, hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Here at the Dental Anesthesia Center, we use only non latex gloves to help protect those with latex allergies.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis on the lips, face, and gums is another possibility for those who are allergic to certain materials or chemicals used at the dentist’s office. Bonding, porcelain, and dental amalgam, all include certain ingredients that could trigger irritation or allergic reactions. This also goes for some of the ingredients found in certain toothpaste, mouthwashes, and fluoride treatments, as some people experience itchiness, redness, and rashes around the lips and mouth.

Dental dams that utilize rubber compounds, even rubber compounds beyond latex, can have a contact dermatitis side effect.

Again, make sure to speak with your dentist beforehand and go over any allergies you might have so that they can keep you safe and comfortable throughout your visit.

Making Your First Appointment

Here at the Dental Anesthesia Center, we’ve been working with sedation and sleep dentistry for over 30 years. Our dentists specialize in a number of different kinds of dentistry, including geriatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, and much, much more.

We are able to treat patients with local anesthetic allergies in the St. Louis area, so if you have been avoiding the dentist due to a fear of an allergic reaction, fear no more. Contact us and set up your first appointment. We promise to work with you to provide the best dental experience possible!