Tag: Dentistry

While the term "Novocaine" is widely used, the drug procaine was largely replaced by modern anesthetics like lidocaine decades ago. The most common and harmless heart-related side effect, a rapid heartbeat, is actually caused by the added epinephrine, not the anesthetic itself.

According to research, over sixty medications have been identified to interact with nitrous oxide, with many interactions classified as moderate to severe. This makes it critically important for healthcare providers and patients alike to understand what medications interfere with nitrous oxide prior to any procedure.

According to research, hundreds of medications can cause dry mouth, a key factor in dental problems, and beta-blockers are among them. For millions taking these drugs for heart conditions, the question *can beta-blockers cause dental problems?* is a critical consideration for maintaining overall oral health.

Originally patented in 1905, the trade name Novocain has become a household term for dental anesthetic. So, what is novacaine called now? The original drug, procaine, has largely been replaced by modern, more advanced alternatives like lidocaine in medical and dental practices.

Over-the-counter benzocaine products are widely available in various concentrations, with the highest percentage of benzocaine found in "maximum strength" topical applications often being 20%. While effective for temporary pain relief, using these higher concentrations requires careful attention to safety guidelines, especially regarding the rare but serious risk of methemoglobinemia.

Derived from brown seaweed, alginate is a versatile polysaccharide with diverse medical applications, from wound dressings to oral medications for acid reflux. While effective in specific scenarios, knowing **when should you not use alginate?** is critical to avoid complications and ensure patient safety across all its forms.

Anesthesia can have various effects on the body, and research has investigated its impact on the gastrointestinal tract. When considering a procedure, many patients wonder, **can local anesthesia cause diarrhea?** The answer is complex, as it is often not the local anesthetic itself but other associated factors that lead to digestive upset.

Most patients who undergo oral sedation can expect the primary relaxing effects to last anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, though lingering drowsiness can persist for up to 24 hours after the procedure. The exact duration of how long does oral sedation last depends on several factors, including the specific medication, dosage, and your body's unique metabolism.

Up to 50% of adults report experiencing some level of dental anxiety, which is often managed with sedatives. Understanding **what makes people loopy after the dentist** involves exploring the different medications and physiological responses at play.

Fact: While the term 'Novocain' is ubiquitous, the drug itself (procaine) is rarely used in modern dentistry, having been replaced by more effective alternatives since the 1980s [1.4.4, 1.4.3]. So, do dentists still give Novocaine? The short answer is no.