Novocaine, the brand name for procaine, was once the most widely used local anesthetic in dentistry. However, its use has declined in recent years due to the development of newer, longer-lasting anesthetics. Novocaine is a short-acting anesthetic, meaning its effects wear off quickly. This makes it less than ideal for longer procedures, such as root canals or tooth extractions.
Another reason for the decline in the use of novocaine is the increased risk of allergic reactions. Novocaine is a member of the amide group of local anesthetics, which are known to cause allergic reactions in some people. These reactions can range from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. For these reasons, most dentists now prefer to use other types of local anesthetics that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
