You are here:

Anesthesiology/Injectable local anesthetics

Advertisement

Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/28/2010


Question
Hello, I would like to know if a person can build resistance to local injectable anesthetics? I have had a lot of work done in my mouth (fillings) and the past few times I have had to be injected twice. Is there a possibility I may have build a slight resistance or could it be that the anesthesia being use is not the best?
Thank you for your time :)

Answer
Hi Maria
It is not possible to become resistant to local anaesthetics through repeated exposure. It is more likely that the local has not been injected close enough to the nerve that needs to be numbed. This can be more difficult than people imagine as people vary so much and the nerve may be in a slightly different position.
Hope this helps
Dr Ian Jackson

Anesthesiology

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based

Expertise

I am a Consultant Anaesthetist in the UK. My interests include ambulatory or day surgery, obstetric anaesthesia and analgesia, acute pain management (use of epidurals and patient controlled analgesia)anaesthesia for surgery on the airway, orthopaedics and most things except brains and hearts. Interest in prehospital care of trauma and provision of medical cover at motorsport events.

Experience


Organizations
European Society of Regional Anaesthesia
British Association of Day Surgery
Obstetric Anaesthetists Association
Association of Anaesthetists

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.