How to Ask a Dentist for Novocaine

Novocaine works by blocking the nerves that sense pain and discomfort. You may feel numb for 3 to 4 hours. Many people feel the wearing-off process far outweighs the pain you feel during dental procedures.

Instructions

1. Know your tolerance to pain. Some people can have cavities filled and other dental work done without novocaine. They have a higher pain threshold, so it doesn't bother them. If you're more sensitive or have a fear of dentists, novocaine can help put you at ease.

2. Talk candidly with your dentist about the procedure. Find out how much drilling will be done, how common it is and how long the procedure will take. Ask if some patients do it without novocaine.

3. Find out what type of numbing agent your dentist uses. There are several on the market--septacaine, lidocaine and mepivocaine. Most dentists still call it novocaine, but if you're interested ask specifically what he uses.

4. Tell your doctor you want novocaine if you feel like it will make the procedure easier to deal with.

5. Expect some pain when you get the novocaine shot. It will pinch your gum and your mouth may be sore for a few days after the dental procedure. Some people say they don't feel well following the shot.

6. See if your dentist will put a topical anesthesia on your gum before giving you the novocaine shot. It will ease the pain of the needle.

7. Request short-acting novocaine or the kind with no adrenaline. It will still do the job but will wear off much quicker.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your dentist to use less novocaine if you are allergic or have had bad reactions to it.