Epinephrine (in novocaine, is it safe?)

[momtoSM]

I'm going to the dentist tomorrow to have some work done on my teeth. I was told by one IC patient that the epinephrine in novocaine can cause an IC flare. Has this been anyone's experience? Is it true? Does the novocaine still work good without epinephrine in it? Thanks so much for any advice...I'm a little nervous to have work done without it, but also don't want to go into an IC flare.

[Julie B]

I have never had problems with getting novocaine injections. If you didn't get the shots, what is your other option? I don't think I could go through most dental work without local anesthetic.

[momtoSM]

Hi Julie,

Someone with IC told me once that they had heard not to get the epinephrine put in the novocaine shot. I asked my dentist about it and he said I could still get the injection without it, but that it wouldn't last as long without it. My only worry is that I'll be in the middle of dental work and the novocaine will wear off, or that without the epinephrine it won't work well. I'm torn about what to do. I have a low pain tolerance so I really want to get it, just in case, but also don't want to suffer from an IC flare for months because of it. My dentist asked me if I'm sensitive to coffee or sodas and I said yes, that I can't have them. So there must be something with the epinephrine that acts like those things. ??? Not sure.

[Sarojini]

I have had to get up in the middle of dental work to pee when I've forgotten to ask for the epi-free anesthetic, and that sensation has lasted for a few hours... so for me, it does cause an increase in frequency, but it doesn't usually cause an all-out, painful, months-long, crazy flare. Epinephrine is adrenaline, and it's got a pretty good stimulant effect at times (think about how when you're nervous and producing your own adrenaline, you have to pee more often). Some are more sensitive to it than others though, especially in smaller, localized doses like the dentist uses.

I have never had the epi-free stuff wear off in the middle of a procedure... if you are worried about it, or are having an extra long procedure, maybe you and your dentist can work out something beforehand where he pauses every now and then to check on you to see if you need a little more anesthetic. Also, if laughing gas is okay with you, sometimes just adding that to the mix can help.

I hate dental work, so I know how you feel!!!!!

[kadi]

For root canals, the endodontist has given me the regular dental anesthetic with the epinephrine & I've had no problem...

[Julie B]

I wonder if, for minor work, the gas would be a good option. Anyone else have experience with that?

[earthlady]

I have all my dental work done with the injections that do not have the epinephrine. I even had a dental implant done and a tooth extraction using it. I asked the dds.for this due to my anxiety levels and the fact that it makes it worse when my heart beats faster due to the epinephrine. It doesn't last as long but I got through an implant procedure and extraction with it so obviously it lasted long enough. Have not experienced any pain with it, but everyone's pain sensations can be different. Neither kind has ever bothered my bladder.