Root Canal tomorrow Is anaesthetic ok? - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Root Canal tomorrow Is anaesthetic ok?

OzJames profile image
21 Replies

hi all I’m a bit worried as I know Denists use adrenaline as an anaesthetic and am concerned it might kick off my AF. Currently my meds are low dose Metoprolol and daily aspirin. Any thoughts?

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OzJames
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21 Replies
Desanthony profile image
Desanthony

The dentist should have a different anaesthetic they can use it may be best if you call the dentist as soon as possible and ask about it. I would also ask if they think you should miss a dose of your medication or not - sometimes they deem it necessary and sometimes they don't so do check.

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to Desanthony

Thanks good advice

BobD profile image
BobDVolunteer

Demand non adrenaline local. They are not as effective, needing more injections but less liekly to trigger AF.

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to BobD

Thank you Bob I will

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

I normally would ask for LA without adrenaline but believe me, for root canal I’d rather have the AF! I just had one & I was OK - dentist kept a close eye on me as I passed out previous time I had LA with adrenaline but this time I was good - I stayed upright for the first 5 mins which helped. They were all very reassuring and I had a few secs of palpitations but they quickly passed. If the root is dead of corse there may not be feeling.

The first time I had root canal was back in 1970’s and it was traumatic but this procedure was flawless and I had no pain. I was offered Ibuprofen to which I said no to of course and then 2 paracetamol + 5mg of prednisone for the inflammation - worked very well! I took paracetamols for 2 days afterwards- mor for the anti inflammatory rather than pain.

Hope yours is as uneventful., good luck.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to CDreamer

PS - I didn’t stop anticoagulants - almost no bleeding.

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to CDreamer

Thanks for info I’m even concerned the prednisone could kick the AF in I had topical steroids around my neck a few years back for 3 weeks and it stirred up the AF. I’m feeling the ping now as I eat so feels like nerve is going to have a swing at me but I’ve decided I’ll have none of that and will breeze through it like you!

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to OzJames

I was also very concerned about Fred but it is a one off, very low dose and worth the chance to reduce inflammation and improve healing. Had my check 2 days ago - not a sign of the infection now and have solid bone re-growth.

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to CDreamer

Ok that makes sense, a good idea!

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to CDreamer

FRED! I meant prednisone! spellchecker 🤦‍♀️

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to CDreamer

I got through with local anaesthetic but kept wearing off after 10 minutes then omg felt it…. got through after an hour an about 6 needles. Still feels like nerve is alive but no swelling or pain. See what happens over next day or so

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to OzJames

Well done. I found it throbbed for a day or two so took paracetamol.

baba profile image
baba

Why are you on aspirin?

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to baba

Cardiologist said to stop apixiban after my cardioversion and take daily mini aspirin. I did question him but he suggested due to my general health and fitness aspirin was ok

Ronnieboy profile image
Ronnieboy

A dentist? What are they ? 😁

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop

There's an alternative anaesthetic without adrenaline . I always ask for it as the normal one sends my heart rate crazy. It doesn't last quite as long so they may have to top you up.

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to Qualipop

Thanks for response they used a local anaesthetic which only lasted maybe 10 minutes until I could feel the pain. I think they gave me a total of about 8 needles during the 1 hour procedure

Qualipop profile image
Qualipop in reply to OzJames

That sounds about right. I Usually need two just for a filling.

2018NSR profile image
2018NSR

Ask for carbocaine for a numbing agent. It does not contain epinephrine which raises your heart rate and can initiate an afib episode.

OzJames profile image
OzJames in reply to 2018NSR

Yes they gave me a numbing agent and local anaesthetic then every now and then a spray of sodium something? Pain broke through quite a few times and they kept injecting another local. Intensely uncomfortable so hopefully that’s the last root canal I need!

2018NSR profile image
2018NSR in reply to OzJames

oh goodness. Me too. Doesn’t sound like a good time. Glad that’s behind you.

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