Novacaine/Lidocaine

[JRSLim]

Just checking -- I coudn't find anything on AOPA's medicine listing, and don't believe its a problem to get novacaine for a filling and then fly. However if this would be a problem, please let me know.
Thanks

 

[TR4A]

http://www.aviationmedicine.com/medications/index.cfm?fuseaction=medicationDetail&medicationID=6

Local anesthetics, such as Lidocaine and Novacaine, do not have any minimum period of observation after injection before flying in the current FAA policy. Military pilots generally have an 8-12 hour waiting period before flying. Pilots should be able speak clearly before flying after receiving an oral injection. For suturing and other procedures using local anesthetic, the underlying injury should not interfere with pilot duties. Caution: some skin wounds, particularly facial wounds, sometimes receive an anesthetic containing cocaine ("TAC"). There is a remote possibility that large doses could result in a positive drug test within 24 hours. Although the names are similar to cocaine, Lidocaine and Novacaine are not related and will not cause a positive drug test.

 

[indianboy7]

if you just got the shot for a filling, I probably wouldn't fly.......the pressure changes can cause a good amount of pain, even on a filling. If you got a root canal or something serious done, just go home, pop the pills they gave you and enjoy the ride imp:

 

[JRSLim]

if you just got the shot for a filling, I probably wouldn't fly.......the pressure changes can cause a good amount of pain, even on a filling. If you got a root canal or something serious done, just go home, pop the pills they gave you and enjoy the ride imp:

Thanks for the replies. yeah for the root canal I was planning on the day off, but since it turned out to be just a filling , I thought maybe I can work.

Cheers!
Shaun

 

[ultrarunner]

Thanks for the replies. yeah for the root canal I was planning on the day off, but since it turned out to be just a filling , I thought maybe I can work.

Cheers!
Shaun

Unless you have a butcher for a dentist, you don't need any drugs for a root canal.

The tooth is dead, and so is the nerve, and they'll test this on your initial exam.

I just had a front lower done. Didn't use any drugs. No pain at all.

 

[habubuaza]

Unless you have a butcher for a dentist, you don't need any drugs for a root canal.

The tooth is dead, and so is the nerve, and they'll test this on your initial exam.

I just had a front lower done. Didn't use any drugs. No pain at all.

I'm not sure about that. I had a root canal and the pain was so bad I had to go to a specialist. By the way...try to see if they can hook you up with some laughing gas. That stuff is awesome!

 

[Northern Lights]

Last time I had novacaine, I went straight from the dentist to the airport to give a flight lesson. I was so distracted on the way out that I ran a red light. I didn't realize it until I was going home later in the day, and the person I had almost hit had left a note for me telling me what had happened. apparently he followed me all the way to the airport to let me know that I nearly hit him.

I did decide to not fly, though. I was feeling too distracted, and was having a hard time speaking clearly since I had an injection in a couple of places.

So anyway, just make sure that you feel fit to fly.

 

[JimG]

I wait a few hours before flying.

I had a root canal done a year and a half ago in the morning and flew that afternoon w/o any problems.

However, for a couple of hours following dental work, I do feel a little under the influence.

My dentist buddy told me it's the synthetic adrenelin that's used in the Novacain to make it work better that can cause those feelings.