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bullrunjimbo asked in HealthDental · 1 decade ago

how does novacaine work?

1 Answer

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  • plmdmd
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    there is 2 steps:

    1- Penetration:

    The anaesthetic has to penetrate the nerve's shell. To do so, it has to decompose in two forms: RH- and RH+. The anaestheticc is made to decompose in 25% rh- and 75% rh+. the rh- will penetratee the nerve (its lipophilic), thus there will now be 100% RH+ outside and 100% rh- inside. those two will therefore decompose as well 75 - 25, until there is an balance between the outer and inner of the nerve. (basic chemistry)

    2- inactivation of calcium channels

    the rh+ form will mechanically disable the calcium channels of the nerve, therefore disabling the functionnality of that nerve.

    Source(s): im a dentist
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