For most of us, getting a cavity filled may not be the highlight of the day. But thanks to modern anesthesia, like what we use at Dr. Bill Dorfman DDS in Century City, it’s more an inconvenience than anything else.

Some people, though, are resistant to local anesthesia like lidocaine. That makes something that is usually simple, like filling a cavity, a real challenge: the tooth needs to be fixed, but the level of pain can go off the charts.

The patient may be filled with local anesthesia – but for them, it’s like it’s not even there. A slow response to lidocaine is fairly common, and a second injection usually takes care of it. But sometimes it just doesn’t work.

There has been research into this but no conclusive findings. Some theorize that the tissue in certain people doesn’t absorb anesthesia the way it does in most. Another possibility is that some of us have nerves in slightly different places than in most. But no one knows for sure.

All of this is cold comfort to anyone who who has trouble getting numb for dental work. If this sounds like you or someone you know, please let us know at Dr. Bill Dorfman DDS in Century City. We will find a solution. People from Beverly Hills, Hollywood, and Los Angeles come to us for general and family dentistry, dental implants, and much more. Call today!

Contact Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDS – Century City Aesthetic Dentistry:

310-277-5678

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

2080 Century Park E Ste 1601
Los Angeles, California
90067