Any dentists? Wouldn't numb up.

[pinknails]

Hi, wonder if anyone has any advice or reassurance.
I was getting two fillings to day. Both refills. Top left premolar numbed up fine and was no problem.
Lower left molar had been dressed and had been sensitive so dentist was going to remove whole thing and see how it looked.
After various attemps and 4 cartridges of anaesthetic I had barely a numb tongue and lip like you would expect with a block.
Also could still feel cold water etc on tooth when dentist started to drill.

Is this something that just happens? Will I be ok next time.
I'm a fairly relaxed patient as long as numb.
Used to be dental nurse many moons ago so understand some terminology.

Any thoughts on why this would be greatly received.
I am suffering from a bad throat and wondered (though can't see how) if that would affect (or is it effect)this.
Thanks

Bumping.

A block is placed based on average anatomy, sometimes if the nerve isn't where the average person's is then it won't work. Apparently 20% of blocks fail as a routine (dentally, I have no idea about medical ones!).

TBH if mine fail I don't give another inferior dental block, I change to an akinosi block or a gow gates block which are different techniques to get the same nerve.

Top teeth are usually simple because of the difference in bone density.

This happens to me every bloody time. Ends up about the 4th go or they use differet stuff. Always thought it was my freaky mouth tbh.

Another dentist. Agreeing with grumpy. Repeat blocks in the same spot often fail for the same reasons the first did (anatomy and / or technique). In addition the first injection affects the acidity of the tissues which can further reduce the chances of it working. So 2 reasons why a different technique is a good idea for a subsequent block. It is hard to say if you will have the same experience next time. Not necessarily.

Local can also fail when a tooth is very inflamed (either the pulp or the supporting tissues). In this case you can have a very numb lip and tongue and even the gum. Yet the tooth is excruciating when drilled. This is very frustrating but can be overcome too. Often dressing these teeth and returning another time works well. These are often (not always) teeth that need root canal.

There are other techniques for numbing lower molars but they are less commonly used.

I've had something similar - filling in lower left molar, 4 injections later and was finally beginning to go numb. By the time the filling was done, my whole left side of face was numb, my left eyelid wouldn't stay open and the left of my neck was numb too!! Not ideal.

Not a redhead are you?
Only asking as apparently they need extra anaesthetic, I am and I had 8 injections to have a tooth extracted

I'm a redhead, I've heard this before about needing more anaesthetic. Also that we have a higher pain threshold - this may also be true, I once ripped off most of my toenail and didn't even notice until I saw blood dripping!!

It is v odd - I broke my ankle and walked on it for a week before finding out I had 3 fractures in it

I had an anaesthetic fail once, never before or since and I am very accustomed to dental treatments.

This time it was due to a cracked root, very inflamed, horrendously painful and had been for a few days despite routine dressings etc.

I hadn't taken antibiotics as I don't get on with them and so it was extracted with failed anaesthesia.

It was sore.
I don't know if they cleared the waiting room in advance but I am embarrassed to say I screamed.

Far better once it was out of course

Hi
Thanks for all your replies, been in bed with awful cold.
I've been numbed up in that area recently. Filling was deep so was dressed and tooth just hasn't settled. Fearing the worst tbh.

Hope it was just a one off but Janebirkin don't fancy what you went through, must've been awful. They'll need to knock me out .

Er you dont have Hyper Mobility Syndrome do you? Its really under diagnosed... Ive had joint issues all my life and only just been diagnosed at 27!

I only say this because numbing injections have never worked with me. ever. Even when I had minor surgery on my face it didnt work.

When I was reading up on the HMS I found some research that said you may have issues around anasthetics working?

Just a thought.

Hi,
Meant to say not a red head, wish I was though.
I don't think have hyper mobiliy though not entirely ure what it is (must look)
I've always numbed up before though have to say sometimes needed an extra shot.
Have real worry tooth on way out :(
It broken way back in aug and is still not filled.