Most people dislike the numb feeling in their lips and mouth that makes it difficult to smile, talk, eat, and drink for hours after having a dental procedure. While patients are certainly thankful that they don’t feel anything while getting a filling or root canal, wouldn’t it be nice if normal sensation could return faster? Now it can! There is an anesthetic reversal agent available called OraVerse® that can be used at the end of your appointment to enable normal feeling to return in about half the time.
OraVerse is actually a safe and effective form of phentolamine, a vasodilator that has been used for years in other medical applications. A vasodilator works by opening up the blood vessels to increase blood flow to the area and thus accelerate the return of normal sensation. Since it is administered right after your procedure is over and the area is already numb, the injection is painless.
OraVerse is safe and effective for almost everyone, including children who are at least 6 years old and weigh 33 pounds or more. It is particularly beneficial for:
- Children, the elderly, and special needs patients as they have a greater tendency to bite their cheeks, lips, or tongue while numb.
- Adults who need to get back to work and regain their normal ability to speak, smile, and eat.
- Anyone who simply wants to get on with their daily activities without the annoyance of having their mouth and lips numb for several hours.
- Situations where procedures could be done on both sides of the mouth at the same time instead of having two separate appointments.
Safety is always of utmost importance with any drug. OraVerse is FDA approved and studies have shown no drug interactions or negative side effects associated with oraverse. About the only side effect might be a bit more tenderness in the injection site. However, OraVerse is not recommended for women who are pregnant, nursing, or might be pregnant; or for people who have cardiac conditions or cardiovascular disease.
OraVerse is considered an optional treatment, but your dentist may include it with the cost of the procedure or it may be available for a very small additional cost. Dentistry is always changing and improving. While prolonged numbness is mostly an annoyance that doesn’t impact your health, it’s gratifying to be able to provide this service, giving you another reason to smile.
For more information, you may contact Emil Verban, Jr., DDS at 309-662-8448 or visit www.mcleancountydental.com. McLean County Dental is located at 2103 E. Washington Street in Bloomington. Dr. Verban provides his patients both general dentistry expertise and the ability to provide specialized services such as cosmetic procedures and dental implants. He offers OraVerse at no extra charge.
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