What should a dentist do if a patient shows signs of an allergic reaction to local anesthesia?

When a patient exhibits signs of an allergic reaction to local anesthesia, the most appropriate course of action is to administer antihistamines or epinephrine and provide emergency care. An allergic reaction can range from mild symptoms, such as itching or hives, to more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.

Administering epinephrine can be critical in cases of significant allergic reactions, as it acts quickly to counteract the effects of anaphylaxis by causing vasoconstriction, increasing heart rate, and relaxing the muscles in the airways, which can help restore adequate breathing. Antihistamines can alleviate milder symptoms but are typically not sufficient for severe reactions, which is why emergency care is essential.

It's important to respond promptly to any signs of an allergic reaction to ensure the patient's safety. The other options might lead to further complications; continuing the procedure without addressing the allergic reaction can worsen the patient's condition, while administering a higher dose of local anesthesia would exacerbate the problem, and simply contacting the physician would delay necessary immediate care. Providing emergency care should always be prioritized in these circumstances.