epiniphrine question

[Joyce Leinart]

My new dentist requested a release form from my cardiologist and on the form it has not to use epiniphrine. So when my dentist referred me to an endodontist the front desk told me to be sure to tell the endo not to use epiniphrine. The endodontist asked if I would double check with my cardio concerning that information because those in the dental field use 1/100,00 per dose verses the usual 1/1,000 or 1/10,000 –I’m not sure on that one- in the cardiac and GP field. I thought I would check with the experts and see if anyone has this information from one of the HCM specialists. My cardiologist is not an expert on HCM.I’m concerned about the pain factor since apparently the epiniphrine is used in combo with other meds so you get that no pain dental experience (which is what I’m going for) Do others on this board have dental work done without epiniphrine. I would appreciate any feedback anyone can give me. Lisa could you check with the HCM Doctors on the other board and see what they say.
A grateful thank you to all,
Joyce

[sueb]

Joyce--My understanding is that the epenephrine makes the novacaine act more quickly so the dentist can get started sooner---and so that the numbness goes away faster. I asked for the "no epenephrine" kind last time and got no flack from my dentist. The reason you don't want epenephrine is that it promotes arrhythmias. Sue

[Pam Alexson]

Joyce , I was told that the epi in the anesthetic numbs up fast and wears off quicker and that is how it works for me. Also one of the big reasons for epi in the anesthetic is that it helps by reducing the bleeding that can often accompany dental work. I had several very severe reactions , 1 at the dentist and 1 at the podiatrist , needless to say they never have used it again. I have been given epi since my diagnosis and treatment for HCM and it is felt that the reactions were vasal vagal? and that instead of the anesthetic staying in the area as a local , it tracked into my blood stream. My reaction was very cardiac and EMS services had to be utilized both times. Shortly after my 1st reaction 20/20 did a show relating to this very problem because many people are not aware of having a heart condition prohibiting the epi use . At that time people were dying and very few dentists were prepared for such an emergency in a dental office. I believe I was a LUCKY ONE. I hope this little bit of info helped . Good luck with this . Pam

[Joyce Leinart]

Sue and Pam,
Thank you both so much for the valuable information.
Joyce

[Sarah]

wow. i've never, ever heard of this! i've had many dental visits with novacaine and never once asked for them to not use epi ---however, i had always told them of my heart condition so perhaps i've had good dentists who know better. or i'm lucky as all get out. ; )

s

[mtlieb]

This is news to me also... i've never heard of a dentist using epinephrine. Is it actually mixed with the novacaine or is it a seperate shot?

[Joyce Leinart]

Good question!! I assumed it was a mixture but that is only an assumption on my part. I will call the endo office today and ask.
Joyce

[mtlieb]

Joyce,

I'll be very interested in finding out the answer to that one myself... i'll be sure to ask my dentist when i see him. Perhaps i've been getting epinephrine with my novacaine all these years and didn't even know it? I have had shots of epi in the past (allergic reactions to drugs) and i don;t recall having a problem with it.

Thanks,

Jim

[Cynaburst]

One more thing about epiniphrine - If you are on beta blockers, the effects of the drug will be masked. That's why they don't recommend allergy shots and testing for people on beta blockers, because the antidote for anaphylactic shock - epi - will be ineffective.

[sueb]

I'm pretty sure it is part of the standard novacaine shot and you have to ask to not have it if you don't want it to be administered to you. Sue

[Joyce Leinart]

Hi,
I just got off the phone with the endo office. It is a mixture ( Sue you are right) and I was told most of the mixtures used contain epiniphrine. So, like Sue said request a mixture without epiniphrine. I gave the endo the information about this site. Hope he takes advantage and chats with the doctors.
Joyce

[Lisa Salberg]

I checked with my dentist -he said that there are 2 medications that are used with novocaine - both of which are 'vaso constrictors" - epiniphrine and neocoepephrine (sp).
These drugs are more often used in bigger procedures like extractions and root canals.

Simply ask your dentist for plain old novocaine and you should be OK.

Lisa

[Joyce Leinart]

Hi Lisa,
The endodontist office is the one that told me most of their mixtures contain epiniphrine, the guy who does those oh so wonderous root canals. Just wanted to make that clear.
Anyway I checked out the pictures from the upcoming TV show. I was delighted to see what you look like-it is hard for me to see the picture you use when posting. I'm going to tell my sister in NJ about the show and maybe she can watch, unless it is only being broadcast locally.
Thank you so much for all of the hard work you do.Best wishes to you! Joyce

[Lisa Salberg]

You will alll be able to see the show live on Feb 23 6:30-7pm on line at www.cn8.tv.

Best of luck at the dentist!

Lisa