What Causes Diarrhea After Using Lidocaine In Dental Procedure?

Posted on Thu, 14 Aug 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 14 Aug 2014 Answered on

Sat, 6 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Yesterday I had my remaining two front teeth pulled and the Dentist used lidocaine to numb me. Today I noticed that I had very little bowel movement and it was diaherra (sp?) and mucousy. (Sp?)
Is that normal? Prior to the extractions my stool movements were normal but in the past couple of days I have eaten very little. Could the lack of food be causing this and if I eat something solid will my stool return to normal?
Thanks and sorry for the dumb questions!

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It can be due to antibiotic taken post extraction

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing in.

As such lidocaine has no role in diarrhea & mucousy.Some people experience these symptoms due to antibiotics. You need to consult your dentist & get medications changed.
Food intake will not cause any change in this condition.
Also ask your dentist to include some probiotic drugs to improve gastric flora.
Keep on doing warm saline rinses 3-4 times a day.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (23 minutes later)

Thank you Dr. for your prompt reply.
I was not taking any antibiotics before during or after the extractions so I dont see that as being the cause.
Is this type of Bowel movement normal and do you think my stools will return to normal in a day or so?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes it would be normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi

If you are not taking any medicines then change your dietary habits will be effective.
You should drink plenty of water.
If problem persists consult physician.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (3 days later)

G/evening Dr.
I have question concerning my recent placement of immediate dentures perhaps you can answer?
I had the remaining 2 front teeth pulled on tuesday (the very front 2 teeth) and I have noticed a sore bump right in the middle of the upper gum right between where the 2 teeth were that is very tender.
Could that be just the aftermath of the extractions or?? No where else does it hurt or is tender just in that spot! I am concerned it may be gum cancer but from all I have read makes me believe its not! Will salt water help get rid of that!
Is it normal for it to be like that even after 6 days and will it go away?
The sore spot on the gum is the same color as the rest of my gums.
TIA

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes continue with warm saline rinses for 1 week

Detailed Answer:
Hi

In some cases healing takes more time & that soreness might be due to prolonged anaesthesia or it could be a part of healing.
You can wait for 1 more week & continue with warm saline rinses.
Visit your dentist if problem persists.
Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neha Sumra (25 minutes later)

So with out putting words in your mouth.......... you dont feel as if it could be gum cancer do you?
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No it cann't be cancer.

Detailed Answer:
In my opinion such problems are common post extraction due to trauma.
Continue with warm saline rinses for 3-4 days.
If problem still persists then go for x ray to rule out if there is any remaining root stump.

Regards
Dr. Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju