12-11-2020, 10:42 AM
Some times if there is an abscess or infection it can keep the painkiller from working as well.
An active dental infection will usually result in the presence of pus. In most cases, the pus is acidic. Conversely, dental anesthetics (lidocaine, novcaine, etc.) function best in slightly basic environments. The end result is that the unique chemistry of the infection “deactivates” the local anesthetic, making it so that more anesthetic is needed. And in cases of severe infections, sometimes you simply cannot get the patient 100% numb.
An active dental infection will usually result in the presence of pus. In most cases, the pus is acidic. Conversely, dental anesthetics (lidocaine, novcaine, etc.) function best in slightly basic environments. The end result is that the unique chemistry of the infection “deactivates” the local anesthetic, making it so that more anesthetic is needed. And in cases of severe infections, sometimes you simply cannot get the patient 100% numb.
