Graphene Oxide and Local Anesthetics
What is Graphene Oxide?
Graphene oxide (GO) is a single-atomic-layered material derived from graphite, which is the same material used in pencils. It is an oxidized form of graphene, meaning it has various oxygen-containing groups attached to it. These oxygen groups make graphene oxide hydrophilic (water attracting), which allows it to be dispersed in water and other solvents. Graphene oxide has been widely studied for its potential applications in various fields, including electronic, biotechnology and materials science due to its unique properties such as high mechanical strength, electrical conductivity and thermal stability.
Graphene Oxide in Medical Applications
Recent studies have explored the possibility of using graphene oxide to enhance the performance of local anesthetics. If you look on the internet you will see plenty of studies that pop up looking at graphene oxide in local anesthetics. For example, a 2022 study published in GELS examined graphene oxide-reinforced alginate hydrogels for controlled release of lidocaine. The study found that GO-reinforced hydrogels could extend the release of lidocaine over time compared to non-GO hydrogels, suggesting potential for longer-lasting pain relief during medical procedures.
However, it’s important to emphasize that these developments are still suppose to be in the research and development phase. To date, no dental local anesthetics list graphene oxide or its derivatives on their ingredient list.
Is Graphene Oxide Found in Dental Local Anesthetics?
Local anesthetics used in dentistry, such as Lidocaine, Articaine and Mepivicaine are formulated specifically to numb the area of the mouth where a procedure is taking place. These formulations do not include graphene oxide as an ingredient on their ingredient list. I have even emailed one company, Septodont, that manufactures a kind of Articaine and their response back was that none of their injectable anesthetics contain graphene oxide or graphene derivatives in their composition.
The IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology), DAMS Inc (Dental Amalgam Mercury Solutions) and Dr Lundstom at Lundstom Family Dental in Fargo, ND are working together to research the safety of dental anesthetic. They are sending samples to different labs to determine if graphene oxide is in dental anesthetics. So far they have only gotten results back on Articaine and it has been found to be in some samples of Articaine. There are many other dental anesthetics that have not been tested to date. You can look up and follow the testing results on Dr Lundstom’s website -https://www.fargodentist.net/holistic-dentistry/anesthetic/.