An allergy to local anesthetics? The consequences of a misdiagnosis

In this case, inappropriately labeling the child as "allergic to local anesthetics", resulted in her inability to receive appropriate dental care. It was a major disservice to her and led to the potentially serious consequences of neglecting the dental disease present. The small caries lesions that would have required amalgam restorations at five years of age progressed to painful toothaches requiring stainless steel crowns and pulpal treatment. Although adverse reactions to local anesthetics are uncommon, most dentists can anticipate encountering a patient who will have an adverse reaction to a local anesthetic. This case ilustrates the need for dentists to be knowledgeable regarding the signs and symptoms of the potential adverse reactions and their appropriate management. Most importantly, prevention is based upon knowledge of anatomy, dose determination, and the use of proper armamentarium and technique, which are key factors in making a safe and effective drug even safer.