Why we do a “test dose” before treatment
What an anaesthetic test dose is, how common allergy is and how we change the treatment plan when we see a reaction.
AuthorDr. Fidan HasanzadePaediatric dentist, treatment under sedation
One day, before treatment, we applied a very small amount of local anaesthetic to a young patient’s tooth and saw an allergic reaction. This was a very important signal for us: that product could not be used, and it was not safe to continue treatment according to the original plan.
What a “test dose” is
A test dose means first applying the anaesthetic in a very small amount and watching how the child reacts. It is a precaution we take in our practice before treatment.
How common is allergy to local anaesthetics?
According to scientific data, true allergy to local anaesthetics is rare. Most of the discomfort after numbing is caused by excitement, fear or other substances in the product. But rare does not mean never. Any unusual reaction must be taken seriously.
What we do if there is a reaction
- We stop using that product
- We monitor the child’s condition
- We change the treatment plan and choose an alternative approach
- We recommend that the parent sees an allergist
What parents should tell us
If your child has ever reacted to any medicine, especially local anaesthetics, be sure to tell us at the appointment. If there are cases of severe allergy in the family, mention that too.
Sometimes a small step before treatment can head off a big risk.
Scientific sources
The information in this article is based on the following peer-reviewed scientific articles and international clinical guidelines.
- Bhole, M. V., Manson, A. L., Seneviratne, S. L., & Misbah, S. A. (2012). IgE-mediated allergy to local anaesthetics: separating fact from perception: a UK perspective. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 108(6), 903-911. [PMID: 22593127] | [DOI: 10.1093/bja/aes162]
