Epinephrine in dentistry: Pros and cons

Nov. 2, 2023

Why is epinephrine even in local anesthesia when it can potentially cause tachycardia? Learn why this drug is so essential to anesthesia in dentistry, how it works, and what your options are when you really can't use it in a procedure.

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

Why do we use epinephrine in dentistry? Turns out it's an essential ingredient in one of our most important "cocktails" that keep patients comfortable and relaxed, and make dental procedures easier to perform.

Medical doctors will sometimes criticize our use of epi in dentistry, but they overlook some important details about how we use it, and how a little epinephrine in an injection means a patient has a lot less stressful of an experience!

In this edition of Medical History Mysteries, you'll learn:

Why epinephrine makes local anesthesia work so well
The downsides of epinephrine
Dilutions of epinephrine in dentistry vs. medicine
Why your patient makes their own epi—and how to keep that to a minimum
Times when you really CAN'T use epinephrine

More Medical History Mysteries videos ...

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Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.

About the Author

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD

Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial co-director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].

About the Author

Tom Viola, RPh, CCP

With more than 30 years’ experience as a board-certified pharmacist, clinical educator, professional speaker, and published author, Tom Viola, RPh, CCP, has earned the reputation as the go-to specialist for making pharmacology practical and useful for dental teams. He is the founder of Pharmacology Declassified and is a member of the faculty of more than 10 dental professional degree programs. Viola has contributed to several professional journals and pharmacology textbooks, and currently serves as a consultant to the American Dental Association’s Council on Scientific Affairs.