Questions about epinephrine

[Pommerania78]

If one has been recently diagnosed with Afib and goes to the dentist and has been told not to take any shots with epinephrine, what are the other alternatives and just exactly how effective are the alternatives? Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer]

Non adrenaline local anaesthetic is usually available at most dentists but I'm told it is less effective (duration) so may need more jabs.

[Pommerania78 in reply to BobD]

Have you had experience with this? Thanks.

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Pommerania78]

Probably since I started my journey 20 + years ago. I don't keep track of things like that, only important things.

[Desanthony in reply to Pommerania78]

I have several injections when having all my dental work done - have had two implants two extractions and a lot of work done since an earlier implant broke back in November - have had lots of long appointments for the work during this time the dentist gives extra injections - at times I have had about 7 injections in different areas to numb my gums. They all worked and it has not caused any problems or pain. What is good is that I am barely a few miles away from the dentist on my way home when the feeling starts coming back and do not spend hours and hours with a numb jaw.

[Pommerania78 in reply to Desanthony]

Thanks for your comments. Did you have 7 injections at one dental appointment?

[Desanthony in reply to Pommerania78]

Yes. all around the one tooth. There were just tiny pin pricks into the gum to spread the anaesthetic around. Hardly felt a thing from either the injections or the work being done.

[Bagrat]

Yes.I ask for local without adrenaline aka epinephrine. Pros, less likely to cause arrythmias, wears off more quickly so face doesn't feel weird for ages after visit. Yes they will top you up if necessary.Other thoughts, jab with adrenaline constricts blood vessels keeping anaesthetic 'local' to tooth, that's why it lasts longer. Also because of constrictions of vessels reduces the amount of bleeding during an extraction. Don't worry, I've had several extractions and there are other ways to reduce blood loss.

As a discussion point if you are concerned about dentist visits your body will push out adrenaline anyway which can cause palpitations. Ditto if you are expecting discomfort from non adrenalin local the same may happen. Be reassured non adrenalin anaesthetic works just as well.

[Pommerania78 in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks for your reply. Incidentally, I do not take a blood thinner. My cardiologist did not think that it is necessary.

[Pommerania78 in reply to Bagrat]

Thanks for your comments.

[Sapphiremoon1]

I have A-fib and have also had to get the shots without epinephrine at the dentist’s office. They don’t last as long which results in more shots than wanted but it does the job.

[Mariajoy]

My dentist always gives me non adrenaline shots too. No pain 👍☺️

[Pommerania78 in reply to Mariajoy]

Thanks for your comments.

[hausjac]

Just had an extraction which took over an hour as my roots are deep followed by an implant. Had 2 non adrenaline injections and had absolutely no problem pain wise at all

[Pommerania78 in reply to hausjac]

Thanks for your comments.

[Tomred]

Was at dentist a month back ,asked for adrenaline free treatment and was told it wasnt as good , so took the everyday type, told dentist about afib , but she looked at me as if i had horns on my head and came across very reluctant.

[Pommerania78 in reply to Tomred]

Thanks for your comments. What was the result of the shot?

[Tomred in reply to Pommerania78]

It didnt kick off my afib.

[Budken]

I had a Dentist who I truly liked. I went in for a cleaning, and told him I had been told no Epinephrine. He immediately said he could no longer take care of my teeth, because his only anesthetic contained it. I went looking for a new Dentist. When I found one close by, I asked the same question. He said absolutely no problem, not all anesthetics contained it, and he had no problem with that. It simply meant, that he had to use more, that was all.

[Pommerania78 in reply to Budken]

Thanks for your comments. What was the result of the shots?

[2018NSR]

when having dental work done you should always ask for carbocaine not epinephrine. Epinephrine raises heart rate and can initiate an afib episode. It works just as well as epinephrine but does wear off sooner if you are having a long procedure and they would need to inject again. Always ask them to note this in your chart the need for non epinephrine anesthetic.

[Pommerania78 in reply to 2018NSR]

Thanks for your comments.

[Qualipop]

I always have the non adrenaline injection at the dentist. It works just as well as the usual one but doesn't last quite as long so it may need topping up. Don't worry, just tell them if you feel a twinge. I've had fillings, extractions , a root canal all with the non adrenaline one and have also had an apicectomy where they cut open the gum and do a filling from above the root. No problems at all and no I'm not a fan of the dentist but as I was a very premature baby, I have awful teeth.

[Pommerania78 in reply to Qualipop]

Thanks for your comments.

[Fblue]

I would call ahead of time and make sure they have that type of anesthetic without adrenaline so they have notice to get it for you if they don’t have it. I always ask for that. My father, who had atrial fibrillation, had the regular Novacane and his a fib became ventricular after that, and he passed away in his sleep at 66 a couple of months later. So to me, it’s very very important.

[Florence-Nightingale]

I go to dentist regularly and if I need treatment I have an injection without epinephrine in due to being in permanent AF. Works just fine for me. Hope this helps.

[Pommerania78 in reply to Florence-Nightingale]

Thanks for your comments.