IAOMT Statement on Dental Anesthetics
Local anesthetics have long been accepted as safe and essential mainstays of modern dental and medical practice. However, the IAOMT continues to receive inquiries regarding the possible presence of graphene oxide in dental anesthetics such as Lidocaine, Mepivacaine and Articaine. We are aware that some private investigators have identified what they believe is graphene oxide in some dental anesthetic solutions. However, other laboratories using similar analytical techniques cannot confirm its presence in any of the samples provided. Moreover, these researchers have thus far been unwilling to release their findings in a public forum.
IAOMT scientific research standards regarding the safety of dental products necessitate that the presence of potential toxic materials be confirmed by a diverse field of qualified laboratories and investigators. Even if the presence of graphene oxide in anesthetics is scientifically verified in the future, it is not yet clear if its presence would even be harmful to patients.
There are anesthetic agents used routinely for many years in medical applications to include oral surgery that contain “control agents” that provide longer acting post-surgical pain control. However, graphene and its derivatives used for these purposes are at the investigational stage and are not currently approved for injectable anesthetic applications.
Finally, there is rarely any need for long-acting anesthetics in modern dental practice. Agents which extend numbness beyond a reasonable period of 1-3 hours after treatment are unnecessary and counter-productive for most dental procedures. Should a longer acting anesthetic be required, Bupivacaine is commonly used and does not contain graphene oxide.
Given the conflicted state of current analyses and limited data, there is currently insufficient evidence to confirm either the presence or absence of graphene oxide in dental anesthetics. The IAOMT will continue to follow this matter closely and advise the public as more conclusive findings arise.
