How I’ve handled several failures at feeling numb at the dentist

During the December holiday season, while visiting family in Illinois and Wisconsin, I had an unexpected dental emergency: A crown cracked and fell out. Unfortunately, complications arose when I contracted COVID-19, causing delays in addressing the issue.

When I finally managed to schedule an appointment for the crown repair, I faced an unexpected challenge: I couldn’t be properly numbed. Despite my dentist’s repeated injections to numb me, I still felt the drill during the procedure. The experience was frustrating and uncomfortable for me and my dentist. We gave up and decided to try again in a few weeks.

As anxiety mounted during the second appointment, I felt dread and couldn’t shake it. Sweaty palms and a racing heart only compounded my difficulties. The second try, unfortunately, was a repeat of the first; I couldn’t get numb.

Desperate for answers, I turned to Google to search for a possible explanation. Could my bleeding disorders, hemophilia B and von Willebrand disease, be contributing to this unusual problem? Was I bleeding at the injection site? My search, unfortunately, yielded no direct correlation between bleeding disorders and an inability to get numb.

A link to EDS

However, I stumbled upon pertinent information about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), which affects the tissues connecting joints, blood vessels, and organs. I was diagnosed with it many years ago, and apparently, it can affect anesthesia effectiveness during dental and medical procedures. One study found, “Among the 980 EDS respondents who had undergone a dental procedure …, 88% (n = 860) recalled inadequate pain prevention.” While this discovery didn’t provide immediate solutions, it shed light on potential factors at play.

My dentist suggested consulting an endodontist, suspecting the need for a root canal. But to our surprise, that specialist ruled out the possibility. Feeling somewhat discouraged, I considered seeking out a dentist with expertise in sedation techniques or laughing gas to alleviate my anxiety and discomfort.

Last week, armed with Tylenol and anti-anxiety medication, I braced myself for yet another attempt. This time, my dentist tried a different numbing technique, a Gow-Gates nerve block, and administered multiple rounds of numbing medication. I practiced deep breathing techniques. Despite still feeling some sensation, the pain was finally manageable. I’m relieved to report that a temporary crown is now in place, with plans for a permanent one in the coming weeks.

This dental saga has been challenging, highlighting the complexities of managing these procedures given my underlying medical conditions. While I still have some unanswered questions, I’m grateful for my dental team’s perseverance and the strategies we’ve employed to address the issue. It’s a reminder of the importance of open communication and collaborative problem-solving in healthcare.