By: Dr. Elizabeth Eggert
No matter what side of the argument you might be on – you can’t ignore all the references and now availability of marijuana products ever since cannabis was legalized in Minnesota in 2023. Unfortunately, we’re noticing a change in how we have to do dentistry because of these new laws. When you come in for dental treatment, one of the most important factors for a smooth and comfortable experience is effective local anesthesia. What many people don’t realize is that using marijuana, THC, cannabis, or related products can directly affect how well dental numbing works. If you use these substances regularly or close to your appointment time, you may find that getting fully numb is more difficult, which can make dental procedures longer, more uncomfortable, and more challenging to complete.
Cannabis interacts with your nervous system and pain receptors in ways that can interfere with local anesthetics. THC can alter how your body processes medications and may increase your tolerance to numbing agents. This means you may need more anesthetic than usual, or the numbness may wear off faster than expected. For you, this can translate into increased sensitivity during treatment, even when everything is being done correctly. It also makes your dental procedure less safe and makes it much harder for Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert to do their best job for you.
Another concern is that cannabis use can increase anxiety, heart rate, and blood pressure in some people—especially in a dental setting where stress may already be present. If you are feeling tense or anxious, your body may respond by making it harder for anesthesia to work effectively. This combination of altered pain response and heightened anxiety can make dental care more difficult than it needs to be.
The good news is that there are many safe and effective ways to reduce dental anxiety without interfering with anesthesia. You can focus on slow, controlled breathing, listen to music or podcasts during your appointment, and communicate openly about what makes you nervous. Scheduling morning appointments, limiting caffeine beforehand, and practicing relaxation techniques (without cannabis) can also make a big difference in how calm and comfortable you feel.
It’s especially important that you are honest with Dr. Elizabeth Eggert and Dr. Jeff Eggert about any marijuana or THC use, even if it feels uncomfortable to mention. This information helps your dental team make the safest decisions for your care, adjust treatment plans if needed, and avoid unnecessary discomfort. Our number one goal is your safety and to ensure your treatment goes as smoothly as possible. Withholding important information about your use of recreational substances seriously impacts results.
At Eggert Family Dentistry in North Oaks, you are in expert hands. Dr. Jeff Eggert and Dr. Elizabeth Eggert have extensive experience helping patients feel comfortable, informed, and safe during dental care. They understand how medications, substances, and anxiety can affect your treatment, and they take the time to personalize your care. By working together and communicating openly, you can achieve excellent dental outcomes—comfortably and confidently. Please call us today with any questions about this topic or to schedule your next appointment with Eggert Family Dentistry – 651-482-8412!